Trump legal hawk Ed Martin to leave administration

Martin served as acting D.C. U.S. Attorney from January to May 2025, before becoming the United States Pardon Attorney.

By Ben Whedon

Published: August 21, 2026 2:46pm

Ed Martin, the former acting D.C. U.S. Attorney, will leave the Trump administration to focus on legal battles relevant to the midterm elections, President Donald Trump announced Friday.

"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," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Ed is now leaving to go outside to fight Legal Battles for the upcoming Midterm Election, and the Presidential Election of 2028. I know he will do an outstanding job, ensure Free, Fair, and Honest Elections, and strongly advance our Constitutional Rights. Good luck Ed!"

Martin served as acting D.C. U.S. Attorney from January to May 2025, before becoming the United States Pardon Attorney. Trump had nominated him to serve as D.C. U.S. Attorney in a permanent capacity, but opposition from Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., sank his nomination.

Trump later appointed Jeanine Pirro in his place.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.