Trump engages in contentious confirmation battle for divisive choice for Washington's leading prosecutor role
In the thick of things, Donald Trump's preferred choice for US attorney in Washington D.C., Ed Martin, faces a rocky road ahead. Sources claim Trump has been phoning Republican senators, trying to rally support for Martin's nomination. But time is of the essence, as Martin's temporary position is set to expire by May 20.
At Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Martin missed his chance to be confirmed. The White House, however, isn't giving up hope, consulting with legislative advisors to find a way forward.
The White House and Department of Justice have worked closely with Martin throughout the confirmation process, from helping him complete paperwork to shepherding him through any hurdles. However, it seems a few Republicans may stand in Martin's way.
Initial disclosures last month showed Martin had left out nearly 200 media appearances. Under oath, he also couldn't recall some of his most controversial statements when questioned by the Senate Judiciary Committee[1]. These omissions and questionable past remarks have raised concerns among senators, potentially jeopardizing his nomination.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, heading the Senate Judiciary Committee, has acknowledged the need for more time to vet Martin. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, also a committee member, already poured cold water on the nomination, citing controversial past comments made by Martin regarding police officers who defended the US Capitol during the January 6 attack[2].
Tillis and other Republicans, such as John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, have expressed private concerns about supporting Martin. As of now, there's no date set for a committee vote on Martin's nomination[3].
Despite growing criticism, Trump seems adamant about getting Martin confirmed, claiming it's "IMPERATIVE"[4]. More than 20 Republican state attorneys general have sent a letter to the Senate urging them to speed up Martin's confirmation process[5]. Trump ally Charlie Kirk has also been vocal about the need to confirm Martin.
While DOJ officials may have preferred another candidate, they're now rallying behind Martin, hoping to help him overcome the obstacles[6]. Supporters argue Martin has implemented Trump's "law and order" agenda effectively and has been an exceptional US Attorney for D.C.[7]
This rollercoaster ride of a nomination process has been marred by controversy since March, with Martin having to amend his disclosure report several times and dealing with criticism over his past praises of a Capitol rioter and his description of the nation's top federal prosecutors as "Trump's lawyers."[8]
This article has been updated with new developments.
[1] - https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/01/politics/trump-martin-nomination-dc-us-attorney/index.html[2] - https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/ncna1375397[3] - https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4048308-gop-senators-seek-more-time-to-vet-trump-dc-us-attorney-nominee-martin/[4] - https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1655868511028908033[5] - https://www.newsweek.com/republican-attorneys-general-back-trump-pick-us-attorney-dc-ed-martin-1762881[6] - https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/01/trump-martin-nomination-dc-washington-00055673[7] - https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/04/gop-senators-delay-confirmation-vote-trumps-pick-dc-us-attorney/[8] - https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/01/trump-martin-nomination-dc-us-attorney-00055672
- After missing confirmation at Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Ed Martin's nomination to be US attorney in Washington D.C., faces a challenging path, especially considering the expiration of his temporary position in May.
- The White House, seeking a way forward, is consulting with legislative advisors, despite Martin's past omissions and questionable statements raising skepticism among senators.
- These controversies include Martin's initial disclosures showing nearly 200 media appearances left out, and his inability to recall controversial comments under oath.
- Some Republican senators, such as Chuck Grassley and Thom Tillis, have expressed private concerns about supporting Martin, potentially jeopardizing his nomination.
- Despite this, Donald Trump is insistent on getting Martin confirmed, claiming it's "IMPERATIVE," while 20 or more Republican state attorneys general have sent a letter urging the Senate to speed up the confirmation process.
- The nomination process has been marked by ongoing debates in the realms of politics, general news, crime and justice, and policy and legislation, with Martin's past praises of a Capitol rioter and descriptions of federal prosecutors adding to the controversy.
