President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will nominate Edward Martin, his top prosecutor in Washington, for a full term as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin, who has been serving in the role on an interim basis, now faces a nomination process that will require Senate approval.
Earlier this year, Martin raised controversy when he asked a judge to dismiss charges against a man involved in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Martin had previously represented the individual as a defense attorney. Trump had granted clemency on his first day in office to nearly all of those charged in connection with the Capitol riot.
The issue has drawn attention due to legal ethics. Lawyers are generally barred from handling cases where they have previously represented a client, and Justice Department guidelines require them to recuse themselves from such matters for at least one year. However, a spokesperson for Martin said earlier this month that he is in compliance with all requirements for his current position.
Martin, who was outside the Capitol during the January 6 siege, has also represented two other individuals convicted of participating in the failed attempt to overturn Trump’s 2020 election defeat. He has criticized the Justice Department for alleged misconduct during its investigation of the Capitol attack.
Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an effort to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory after weeks of unfounded claims by Trump about election fraud.
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