Top Trump prosecutor in DC has ‘fundamental misunderstanding’ of role: Former US attorneys

A coalition of former U.S. attorneys and January 6 prosecutors has filed a formal complaint against Edward “Ed” Martin, the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, alleging a “fundamental misunderstanding” of his role and calling for an ethics investigation.​

Martin, a former conservative activist and Trump loyalist, was appointed by President Donald Trump earlier this year. Since taking office, he has faced criticism for actions perceived as politically motivated and ethically questionable.​

Key allegations include​

• Dropping charges against a former client: Martin signed a motion to dismiss charges against Joseph Padilla, a January 6 defendant he previously represented, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. ​

• Firing prosecutors involved in January 6 cases: Martin dismissed approximately 30 federal prosecutors who had worked on Capitol riot cases, leading to accusations of politicizing the Justice Department. ​

• Publicly aligning with Trump: Martin referred to himself and fellow U.S. attorneys as “President Trump’s lawyers” in a social media post, prompting calls for an investigation into potential violations of his oath of office.

The complaint, submitted to the D.C. Court of Appeals’ disciplinary board, argues that Martin’s actions undermine the impartiality expected of a federal prosecutor and warrant a thorough investigation.​

Martin has defended his conduct, asserting that he has complied with ethical requirements and that his actions reflect a shift in priorities toward local crime. ​

The disciplinary board has not yet announced whether it will initiate a formal investigation into the allegations against Martin.