Trump DC Prosecutor Nominee Faces Crucial Senate Hurdle

Senator Thom Tillis has announced he will not support President Donald Trump’s nominee, Ed Martin, for U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., citing Martin’s defense of January 6 defendants and controversial statements. Tillis’s opposition is crucial given the Senate Judiciary Committee’s narrow majority, putting Martin’s confirmation at serious risk. If Martin is not confirmed by the May 20 deadline, a panel of federal judges—potentially perceived as left-leaning—will select his replacement, an outcome Republicans want to avoid. President Trump and the White House continue lobbying for Martin, but concerns among GOP senators persist over Martin’s undisclosed media appearances and past remarks. Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has not scheduled a vote, reflecting ongoing hesitation. The political stakes of the appointment have escalated as the deadline approaches.