Trump appoints Ed Martin to DOJ task force, after pulling nomination to be DC's federal prosecutor

President Trump is appointing Ed Martin, who was his first choice for U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., to be director of the Justice Department's Weaponization Working Group and the U.S. pardon attorney.

"Ed Martin has done an AMAZING job as interim U.S. Attorney, and will be moving to the Department of Justice as the new Director of the Weaponization Working Group, Associate Deputy Attorney General, and Pardon Attorney," Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday. "In these highly important roles, Ed will make sure we finally investigate the Weaponization of our Government under the Biden Regime, and provide much needed Justice for its victims. Congratulations Ed!"

Trump pulled Martin's nomination for U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., on Thursday after Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said two days earlier that he would not support Martin's confirmation. 

Tillis is a member of the GOP-led Senate Judiciary Committee that recommends – or does not – that an appointee get final chamber approval for the post. 

Capitol Hill opposition to Martin's nomination stemmed from his defense of rioters who breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 

In addition, Martin's initial response to a committee questionnaire failed to disclose that he made over 150 appearances on the Russian government-funded RT and Sputnik networks before he took office, according to the Associated Press.

The president announced Thursday evening that he would appoint Judge Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C.

Attorney General Pam Bondi established the Weaponization Working Group to review former Justice Departmetn special counsel Jack Smith’s work and “the pursuit of improper investigative tactics” regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In Martin's new role as pardon attorney, he will be responsible for reviewing petitions for presidential pardons and sentence commutations.