GOP Leader Rejects Trump’s Pick
President Trump’s push to appoint Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has hit a major roadblock in the Senate—and it’s coming from within his own party.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has broken ranks, vowing to oppose the nomination over Martin’s past support for individuals charged in connection to the January 6 Capitol protest. His opposition throws the nomination into gridlock in the Judiciary Committee, where Republicans hold a razor-thin 12-10 majority.
“I’ve made it clear to the White House—I won’t support Ed Martin’s nomination,” Tillis said on Tuesday.
Martin, a well-known conservative attorney and advocate for justice reform, met with Tillis earlier this week. But the senator said his concerns were not eased, particularly Martin’s view that some protesters had been unfairly treated by the justice system.
Tillis didn’t mince words. “Anyone who breached the Capitol’s perimeter on January 6 deserves jail time. Whether it’s 30 days or three years is up for debate, but we must send a strong message,” he said.
Judiciary Deadlock Likely Dooms Nomination
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged the political math isn’t in Martin’s favor. With Tillis voting no, the committee would deadlock 11-11, preventing the nomination from reaching the Senate floor.
“If Tillis won’t back him, he probably won’t make it out of committee,” Thune told reporters.
Martin’s nomination has drawn strong support from conservatives who view him as a fighter against political persecution and a key player in Trump’s broader plan to restore law and order across America.
Trump Doubles Down: “We Will Take Our Country Back”
Despite the opposition, President Trump is not backing down. In a fiery post on Truth Social, the President called Martin a “critical piece” of his plan to reclaim America’s institutions from the entrenched D.C. establishment.
“Ed Martin is essential. His approval is IMPERATIVE to SAVE LIVES and MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN,” Trump wrote, referencing support from independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Trump highlighted Martin’s passion for justice reform, health freedom, and restoring integrity to the Department of Justice. “We are going to take our country BACK—and FAST. Ed Martin will be a big part of that,” the President declared.
A Litmus Test for the GOP?
The battle over Martin’s nomination could become a defining moment for Senate Republicans: will they stand behind Trump’s agenda to clean up Washington, or cave to establishment pressure?
For conservative voters who still believe in restoring law and order, the outcome of this nomination sends a loud and clear message. Trump is fighting for accountability—and some in his own party still don’t get it.
