Trump Aide Ed Martin Exits DOJ to Lead Election Legal Efforts

Ed Martin has departed the Trump administration to concentrate on election-related legal battles, the Republican president announced Friday through a social media post. Martin had been serving as the Justice Department's pardon attorney, a role he is now relinquishing to pursue what the White House described as efforts to "fight Legal Battles" connected to the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.

Trump expressed confidence in Martin's departure, stating that he believes Martin "will do an outstanding job, ensure Free, Fair, and Honest Elections, and strongly advance our Constitutional Rights." The move marks another chapter in Martin's tumultuous tenure within the Trump administration, which has been marked by controversy and internal friction.

Martin's time in the Justice Department has proven contentious. He was appointed as interim US attorney for Washington DC last year, where he oversaw the dismissal of numerous January 6 Capitol riot cases following Trump's broad pardons. However, Trump ultimately withdrew Martin's formal nomination for the permanent position due to bipartisan concerns about his lack of prosecutorial experience and his public support for individuals involved in the Capitol violence.