Overview
- Ed Martin, recently appointed to lead the DOJ's Weaponization Working Group, revealed he is under investigation by the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel for alleged misconduct.
- The investigation, assigned docket number 2025-D047, stems from ethics complaints filed by Senate Democrats and former January 6 prosecutors alleging abuse of power during his tenure as interim U.S. attorney.
- Martin has publicly criticized the disciplinary counsel, accusing its chief, Hamilton P. Fox III, of 'weaponizing' the investigation for political purposes.
- As head of the Weaponization Working Group, Martin plans to implement a controversial 'name and shame' strategy targeting individuals not charged with crimes—an approach that critics say violates DOJ norms.
- Martin’s nomination as permanent U.S. attorney for D.C. collapsed due to bipartisan Senate opposition, leading to his reassignment by President Trump to oversee pardons and the new DOJ initiative.