Trump DOJ Pardon Attorney Ed Martin Resigns After Turbulent Tenure
President Trump announced on Truth Social Friday, August 21, 2026, that Justice Department pardon attorney Ed Martin is leaving the administration.[1]
Trump said Martin will work outside government on legal battles tied to the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential campaign.[1] Martin had served as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, led the DOJ's Weaponization Working Group, and most recently worked as the department's pardon attorney.[1]
As interim U.S. attorney, Martin fired more than a dozen probationary prosecutors who had worked on Jan. 6 cases and ordered an internal review of felony obstruction charges.[1] His tenure sparked internal backlash over public social media posts about investigations.[1] He drew criticism for targeting Georgetown Law over diversity policies and for posting photos outside New York Attorney General Letitia James' home while overseeing probes of her and other officials.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, August 21, 2026, President Trump announced on Truth Social that DOJ pardon attorney Ed Martin is leaving the administration.
- Martin served as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, head of the Weaponization Working Group, and most recently as pardon attorney.
- As interim U.S. attorney, Martin fired more than a dozen probationary prosecutors who had worked on Jan. 6 cases and ordered an internal review of felony obstruction charges.
- Martin drew internal backlash for public posts about investigations, for targeting Georgetown Law over DEI policies, and for posting photos outside New York Attorney General Letitia James' home while helping lead probes into her and other officials.
- Trump said Martin will now work outside government on legal battles related to the 2026 midterm and 2028 presidential elections.
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