Controversial pro-Trump attorney Ed Martin leaving administration | CBS News

Ed Martin, a lawyer known for his staunch pro-Trump stance, is departing the Justice Department, according to an announcement by President Trump on Truth Social. Martin's time at the department has been characterized by significant controversy and turmoil.

Martin previously served as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. His nomination for a permanent position faced significant opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate, largely due to his advocacy for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. President Trump praised Martin's contributions, stating he had "done an incredible job as an Attorney, Director of the Weaponization Working Group, and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia." Trump added that Martin is leaving to "fight Legal Battles for the upcoming Midterm Election, and the Presidential Election of 2028."

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Ed Martin has been with me from the very beginning, and done an incredible job as an Attorney, Director of the Weaponization Working Group, and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.

During his tenure as interim U.S. attorney, Martin oversaw the firing of more than a dozen federal prosecutors who were handling investigations into the Jan. 6 attack. He also reportedly ordered an internal inquiry into the charging decisions for some Jan. 6 defendants, specifically concerning felony obstruction charges. This occurred despite Martin's own involvement with the "Stop the Steal" movement following the 2020 presidential election.

Further controversies arose when the top criminal chief in Martin's office resigned, alleging pressure from Martin to launch a criminal investigation and freeze assets related to an EPA grant, despite a lack of evidence of wrongdoing. Martin also reportedly demoted several prosecutors, which angered staff and contributed to a significant exodus of career prosecutors from the office. Additionally, Martin frequently announced investigation targets on social media, a practice that violated Justice Department guidelines.

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leaving to go outside to fight Legal Battles for the upcoming Midterm Election, and the Presidential Election of 2028.