WASHINGTON — Conservative activist and Trump loyalist Ed Martin has been appointed by former President Donald Trump to lead the Justice Department’s newly formed “Weaponization Working Group,” which will investigate those involved in past probes targeting Trump and his allies.
At a press conference Tuesday, Martin outlined his plans for the group, saying it would go beyond traditional legal boundaries by publicly identifying individuals who the department cannot charge with crimes. This marks a significant shift from standard Justice Department practices, which typically avoid naming individuals unless formal charges are filed.
“There are some really bad actors, some people that did some really bad things to the American people,” Martin said. “If they can be charged, we’ll charge them. But if they can’t, we will name them.”
Martin added that he believes public accountability should carry weight, especially in a society that values shame. “They should be ashamed. That’s a fact. That’s how things work,” he stated.
His appointment comes as Jeanine Pirro prepares to take on the role of U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., signaling a broader shift in how the Trump-aligned Justice Department plans to handle past investigations into the former president and his circle.
Ed Martin Outlines Agenda as DOJ ‘Weaponization’ Group Takes Shape
On his final day as interim U.S. attorney for D.C., Ed Martin outlined his next steps as the new head of the Justice Department’s “Weaponization Working Group,” a role assigned to him by former President Donald Trump. Martin will also serve as pardon attorney and associate deputy attorney general.
The group, created by Attorney General Pam Bondi under a Trump executive order, will review investigations involving former Special Counsel Jack Smith, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, New York AG Letitia James, Jan. 6 prosecutions, and actions against anti-abortion activists.
Martin emphasized the need for transparency, saying, “When it comes to the problem of weaponization, the first part of it must be transparency. We have to show our fellow Americans what went on.”
The announcement comes as Jeanine Pirro prepares to replace Martin as interim U.S. attorney for D.C., following his 120-day tenure.
Martin’s comments also follow ongoing criticism of past DOJ actions, including James Comey’s public comments on Hillary Clinton in 2016, which then-Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein called a “textbook example” of what federal prosecutors should avoid.
Ed Martin Defends Transparency in DOJ’s ‘Weaponization’ Effort
Ed Martin, head of the Justice Department’s newly established “Weaponization Working Group,” defended his stance on transparency, saying it is crucial to “get the truth out” despite protocols that generally prevent officials from commenting on ongoing investigations.
Asked if his remarks might violate DOJ guidelines, Martin responded, “The prosecutor’s role, and at this moment in our history, is to make clear what the truth is and to get that out… It can’t be that the system is stifling the truth because of some procedure.”
Martin also noted his new role would be “more public-facing,” emphasizing that he was encouraged to engage more with the public and openly discuss the group’s work.
Before his current role, Martin had no prosecutorial experience. When appointed U.S. attorney on Inauguration Day, he quickly initiated an investigation into the handling of obstruction charges against some Jan. 6 rioters and made significant changes within the office. His actions, including the firing and demotion of prosecutors, attracted attention and criticism.
