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Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, told reporters this week he has "serious questions" about Ed Martin, who is President Donald Trump's nomination to lead the U.S. attorney's office for the District of Columbia. Newsweek reached out to Tillis' and Martin's offices for comment via email. Why It Matters Trump appointed Martin, the former chair of the Missouri Republican Party, to become the top prosecutor in Washington.
Martin is a Trump loyalist who previously provided legal representation to defendants charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol building. His nomination, however, is facing scrutiny, including from Tillis, who may be a key vote in his confirmation. Tillis is up for reelection next year in North Carolina, a battleground that backed Trump by only three points in 2024.
The race is viewed as competitive as Democrats are hoping a 2018-style "blue wave" could give them a boost in key races. Senator Thom Tillis speaks during a hearing in Washington on April 30, 2024. Senator Thom Tillis speaks during a hearing in Washington on April 30, 2024.
Shannon Finney/Getty Images for RIAA What To Know Tillis has voiced concerns over Martin's nomination in recent days, pointing to some of his previous statements as well as his representation of January 6 defendants. He told CNN that he has "serious questions" about Martin's nomination and has told other Republican senators he is "completing my due diligence" on the matter. He also plans to meet with Martin, according to the network.
"I've got to do due diligence. I'm not going to say I'm a 'no' now. I'm going to say: I'm concerned with some of his public comments…particularly on January 6," Tillis said in remarks to CBS News.
Senator Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat who serves as ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, previously raised concerns about Martin's nomination. Committee Democrats this week accused Martin of submitting "false statements under oath" and dodging more than 80 questions in written responses submitted to the committee. Republicans control the Senate, and most members of the party have backed most of Trump's nominees.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth drew the most resistance in confirmation hearings, with Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting against him. Those three could also be among the key votes on Martin's nomination. Martin has frequently faced criticism from Democrats, including after writing on social media this year that federal prosecutors represent Trump, not the federal government.
What People Are Saying Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, on X, formerly Twitter, last month: "I put a hold on Ed Martin's nomination. He's denied elections. Fired quality public servants.
Attempted to chill free speech. Turns out he's also carrying water for the Kremlin. So wholly unfit to be a U.S.
Attorney." President Donald Trump, on Truth Social earlier this year: "Since Inauguration Day, Ed has been doing a great job as Interim U.S. Attorney, fighting tirelessly to restore Law and Order, and make our Nation's Capital Safe and Beautiful Again." What Happens Next The next steps regarding Martin's confirmation, and whether he has enough support to become the next U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, remain unclear.
His term as interim attorney will end on May 20.
