Department of Justice lawyer and pardon attorney, Ed Martin, is expected to leave his role after nine months following failure to secure a confirmation as US attorney in Washington, DC, CNN reports. President Trump appointed Ed Martin as Pardon Attorney and Ed continues to a great job in that role,” a Justice Department spokesperson told CNN. The president then placed Martin as the director of the Working Weaponization Group and pardon attorney. While leading the Department’s Weaponization Working Group, Martin was “layered” by Blanche and was not really in charge of that effort, CNN reports. Sources say Martin appears to have more power in his role as pardon attorney where he is actively involved in reviewing clemency applications.

Source: CNN February 03, 2026 12:55 UTC