Wed May 07 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s DC Attorney Nominee Faces Mounting Opposition, Confirmation in Jeopardy

**Washington, D.C.** – The nomination of Ed Martin to serve as US Attorney for Washington, D.C., is teetering on the brink of collapse following the withdrawal of support from a key Republican senator. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced Monday he would not vote to confirm Martin, citing concerns over Martin’s past comments downplaying the January 6th Capitol attack.

Tillis’ opposition is a significant blow to the nomination, potentially preventing it from even reaching a full Senate vote. The Senate Judiciary Committee, which holds a narrow Republican majority, needs his vote for Martin’s advancement. Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley hinted that Martin’s nomination would likely not proceed without Tillis’ support.

The White House, however, remains steadfast in its support for Martin, with President Trump personally lobbying senators for his confirmation. A spokesperson described Martin as “the right man for the job.”

Other Republican senators, including John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, have also privately voiced concerns, though Cornyn indicated he would still vote for Martin if the nomination reached the committee. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, however, stated that with Tillis’ opposition, the nomination is unlikely to clear committee and therefore won’t be brought to the full Senate for a vote.

Martin’s nomination has been plagued by controversy from the start. He has faced scrutiny for past appearances on far-right and Russian state media, his praise of an alleged Nazi sympathizer involved in the January 6th riot, and inconsistencies in his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. His actions as acting US Attorney, including referring to the office as “President Trump’s lawyers” and demoting senior attorneys working on January 6th cases, have also fueled criticism.

The May 20th deadline for Martin’s interim appointment further exacerbates the situation, making a successful confirmation increasingly improbable. If the nomination fails, it would represent a notable setback for the Trump administration and a rare instance of Republican senators defying the president on a high-profile appointment.

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