Ed Martin, the official appointed by former President Donald Trump to serve as the Justice Department's pardon attorney, has been demoted and physically moved out of the department's main headquarters in Washington, DC, according to multiple reports. This significant development sees Martin stripped of his influential position chairing the DOJ's Weaponization Working Group, a body tasked with reviewing cases the administration deemed potential abuses of prosecutorial power.
Loss of Key Role and Potential Complete Departure
Two individuals familiar with the internal changes have confirmed to the Washington Post that Martin, a known Trump loyalist, will no longer lead the Weaponization Working Group. This group was actively examining special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump, among other sensitive cases. Furthermore, a separate report from CNN, also published on Monday, claims that Martin's nine-month tenure at the Department of Justice may be over entirely, suggesting a potential full ouster from his administrative role.
Relocation and Reduced Proximity to Power
In response to these developments, sources indicate that Martin is being relocated to another Department of Justice building in Northeast Washington, DC, where the pardon attorney's office is located. This move physically distances him from Attorney General Pam Bondi and other key figures within Trump's orbit, marking a clear reduction in his influence and access. While a Justice Department spokesperson stated to the Daily Mail that "President Trump appointed Ed Martin as pardon attorney, and Ed continues to do a great job in that role," the reported demotion and relocation tell a different story.
Background of Failed Nominations and Controversial Actions
Martin's path to this demotion is rooted in a series of political and professional challenges. On the first day of his new administration, Trump nominated Martin to be the US Attorney for Washington, DC. However, this nomination was withdrawn in May 2025 due to a lack of Senate support, partly attributed to Martin's involvement in planning and financing the Trump rally that preceded the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, and his lack of prior trial or prosecutorial experience. Instead, former Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro was appointed to that role.
Despite this, Martin served as interim US Attorney for DC for 15 weeks. During this period, he reportedly threatened to investigate Trump's political enemies, including figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey, and California Senator Adam Schiff. He also allegedly threatened to fire or demote prosecutors involved in cases related to Trump and the January 6 events. Martin played a role in these cases, which have so far been unsuccessful in their prosecutorial attempts.
Current Status and Departmental Silence
As of now, no official personnel movements regarding Martin's role have been made public by the Department of Justice. He will continue to serve as the pardon attorney but with significantly reduced responsibilities and proximity to the department's central power structure. This demotion and relocation occur amidst a broader context of the administration's struggles to prosecute Trump's political foes, highlighting the ongoing tensions and reorganizations within the Justice Department under the current administration.
