Contentious Trump Nominee for D.C.'s Lead Prosecutor Facing Republican opposition
Revised Article:
Donald Trump's DC Attorney Nominee's Confirmation On Thin Ice
Ed Martin, the controversial pick for US attorney in Washington, DC, couldn't be further from securing the nod from key Republicans in Congress. The latest to join the bandwagon of opposition is North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, a crucial GOP swing voter, who informed the White House he won't back Martin's nomination.
Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with the nominee on Monday. Given the panel's close margin, Tillis' opposition might doom Martin's nomination. The White House staying supportive of Martin, with even President Trump personally urging lawmakers to back him, might not be enough to tip the scales in his favor.
If Martin fails to secure the nomination, it would mark a rare instance of congressional Republicans defying the president over a high-profile pick, and a significant blow to the administration.
Last week, Tillis raised "serious questions" about the nomination, concerning Martin's past comments belittling police officers who defended the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack. "Most of my concerns revolve around January 6, and he constructed a compelling case regarding some of the 15, 12 prosecutions that were probably heated-moment errors," Tillis said Tuesday. "Where we probably differ is I think anyone who breached the perimeter should have been behind bars for some length of time."
Martin is unlikely to show up on the Senate Judiciary Committee's meeting agenda on Thursday, placing him at risk of missing a critical deadline for confirmation before his interim position expires on May 20.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley hinted at the panel not considering the nomination this week, coyly stating, "I put people on the agenda that I can help the president's nominees be successful. And that's all I can say at this point."When pressed about Martin's potential inability to pass a committee vote, Grassley responded cautiously, "I'm not saying that, I'm just saying that I put people on the agenda when I can help the president's nominees to be successful."
Despite the setbacks, the White House remains optimistic about Martin's nomination. Trump has reportedly reached out to Republican senators in support of Martin, while administration officials are consulting legislative advisors on potential strategies to move the nomination forward. White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer stated, "Ed Martin is an outstanding U.S. Attorney for D.C. and will continue to uphold the President's law-and-order policy in Washington. He is the right man for the job and we eagerly anticipate his confirmation."
Martin's nomination process has been fraught with controversies since the president formally proposed him for the post in March. He has amended his disclosure to Congress, reporting his past media appearances on far-right outlets and Russian-state media at least three times. Martin has also faced scrutiny for his previous praise of a Capitol rioter and his forgetfulness under oath during Senate Judiciary Committee questioning.
This piece has been updated with additional insights.
CNN's Ted Barrett contributed to this report.
Insights:- The opposition from key Republican senators, particularly North Carolina's Sen. Thom Tillis, poses a significant threat to Martin's confirmation.- The timing for Martin's confirmation is tight, as his interim position is due to expire on May 20, and the committee may not be able to vote on his nomination in time.- The White House has been active in lobbying for Martin's approval, with Trump personally reaching out to senators and administration officials brainstorming strategies to advance the nomination.
- Sen. Thom Tillis' decision to oppose Ed Martin's nomination as US attorney in Washington, DC, could mark a rare instance of congressional Republicans defying the president over a high-profile pick.
- The White House is optimistic about Martin's nomination, with Trump personally urging lawmakers to back him and administration officials consulting legislative advisors on potential strategies to move the nomination forward.
- If Martin fails to secure the nomination, this would be a significant blow to the administration, as it would be a rare instance of congressional Republicans defying the president over a high-profile pick.
- The opposition from key Republican senators, along with Martin's past controversies, could result in him missing the critical deadline for confirmation before his interim position expires on May 20.
