Trump Says Goon With Him ‘From the Very Beginning’ Is Leaving

The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im Donald Trump announced Friday that a longtime ally of his in the Justice Department is leaving to “fight legal battles” in the upcoming midterms.

Ed Martin, 56, served as interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia from January until May 2025, when his lack of qualifications prevented confirmation by the Senate.

Trump then named him pardon attorney and head of the controversial Weaponization Working Group, though CNN reported this past February that his role was blunted by then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“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, 80, wrote on Truth Social, despite the fact that Martin was only an interim U.S. attorney.

“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, who has supported Trump since 2016, responded on X: “Proud to serve.

Fight Fight Fight.” A lawyer for Jan.

6 defendants and a 2020 election denier who made over 150 appearances on Russian state media between 2016 and 2024, Martin drew controversy during his tenure.

For instance, he allegedly pressured Georgetown Law School to change its curriculum, citing complaints about diversity, ethics, and inclusion (DEI) being taught.

As a result, Martin faced an ethics complaint.

“Acting in his official capacity and speaking on behalf of the government, he used coercion to punish or suppress a disfavored viewpoint, the teaching and promotion of DEI,” D.C.

Bar disciplinary counsel Hamilton Fox III wrote in a March court filing.

“He demanded that Georgetown Law relinquish its free speech and religious rights in order to obtain a benefit, employment opportunities for its students.” Fox added: “Mr.