This was extremely surprising to see.
In a surprising move, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) is breaking ranks with fellow Republicans by opposing President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C.—a critical post as the Trump administration works to reverse the Biden-era weaponization of the Justice Department.
President Trump’s nominee, Ed Martin, is a staunch constitutionalist and longtime conservative leader with deep ties to grassroots movements. Yet Tillis says he can’t support Martin due to his past remarks defending Americans caught up in the January 6 protests.
“He’s a good man, but I told the White House I can’t back him for this district,” Tillis said Tuesday. “My concerns are mostly tied to January 6.”
Martin has been an outspoken critic of how Biden’s DOJ treated Trump supporters, many of whom were jailed for years over non-violent offenses. As interim U.S. attorney, Martin restructured his team to focus on restoring equal justice under law, and even reassigned prosecutors involved in heavy-handed Capitol riot cases.
His remarks calling government attorneys “President Trump’s lawyers” sparked outrage from the left—but were praised by many as a bold step toward draining the D.C. swamp.
Capitol Protest Fallout Still Dividing Republicans
Martin’s critics point to a Jan. 5, 2021 speech in which he urged patriots to “stop the steal.” Though legal and protected under the First Amendment, that speech has become a lightning rod for political attacks.
Tillis—who faces a tough reelection—claims his objections stem from Martin’s location, not his character.
“If he were nominated for anywhere else, I’d probably vote yes. But not in D.C.,” he said.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), by contrast, is fully backing the president’s pick.
“I trust President Trump to choose the right person for this job,” Cornyn said. “We need to clean house.”
Trump Demands Action: ‘We Must Restore Justice!’
President Trump, who enjoys a 53-47 Republican Senate majority, isn’t mincing words.
“Ed Martin’s confirmation is IMPERATIVE to saving lives and restoring American justice,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We must MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!”
Earlier this year, Trump issued full pardons to over 1,500 Americans caught up in the Jan. 6 political crackdown, calling it “a step toward healing and restoring trust in our government.”
Martin has also distanced himself from fringe figures, saying those who committed real crimes should face appropriate justice—but not political persecution.
What Happens Next?
The Senate Judiciary Committee has yet to schedule a vote. If Martin is not confirmed by May 20, Biden-appointed judges may seize control of the nomination—dealing a serious blow to efforts to clean out the DOJ from the inside.
For many conservative voters, the stakes are high.
Do we want justice led by Trump’s vision—or more of Biden’s political persecution?