Senate Delays Vote on Ed Martin’s U.S. Attorney Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ed Martin‘s bid to become the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia is now uncertain after the Senate Judiciary Committee announced it would not consider his nomination this week. Late Monday, Judiciary Committee Republicans scheduled an executive business meeting for Thursday, which notably excluded Martin’s nomination.

Martin, who has served as the acting U.S. attorney, can only hold that position for 120 days. With the deadline approaching on May 20, the committee’s rules allow Democrats to delay the nomination for a week. Chuck Grassley, the Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, has yet to schedule a vote. Amid this uncertainty, some Republicans have cited that Martin has not submitted all required paperwork for consideration.

Democrats are also pushing for a rare public hearing regarding Martin’s nomination, further complicating the situation. Grassley expressed reluctance to hold a public hearing in a private meeting last week.

President Donald Trump has urged GOP senators to support Martin, reaching out to Judiciary Committee members, including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Trump publicly called for Martin’s confirmation in a post on Truth Social, linking Martin to health initiatives led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Ed is coming up on the deadline for Voting and, if approved, HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN,” Trump stated.

However, Martin faces significant opposition due to his controversial background. He has connections to individuals involved in the January 6 riots. Recently, Martin acknowledged failing to disclose various media appearances, including on channels with links to Russia and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ platform. This admission marks the fourth time Martin has had to update his original disclosures.

As Trump continues to apply pressure, several Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans still have not declared their voting intentions on Martin’s nomination.