Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has publicly opposed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, citing concerns over Martin’s ties to the January 6 Capitol riot and his conduct during his interim tenure. Martin, a conservative activist and former Missouri GOP chair, has been serving as the interim U.S. Attorney since January 2025.
Martin’s interim appointment has been marked by controversy. He has dismissed or demoted prosecutors involved in Capitol riot cases, launched a “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative, and expressed support for individuals charged in the January 6 attack. Additionally, Martin has faced criticism for omitting numerous media appearances from his Senate disclosures and for making inflammatory comments about fellow Republicans and Capitol Police officers.
Senator Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasized his stance that all individuals who unlawfully entered the Capitol should be prosecuted. He expressed skepticism following a meeting with Martin, criticizing his past support for riot participants and his rhetoric surrounding the event. Tillis’s opposition is significant, as it could effectively block Martin’s nomination from moving forward in the committee.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has not scheduled a vote on Martin’s nomination, and with his interim appointment set to expire on May 20, 2025, uncertainty surrounds his future in the role. If the Senate does not confirm a successor in time, the federal court in D.C. may appoint an interim U.S. Attorney to replace him.
Martin’s nomination has also faced opposition from Senate Democrats and over 100 former prosecutors, who have raised concerns about his qualifications and impartiality. Despite support from some Republicans, including Senator John Cornyn, Martin’s confirmation remains in jeopardy due to the growing bipartisan scrutiny.