Ed Martin is concluding his 15-month tenure as President Donald Trump’s pardon attorney, a period he described as "Trump’s year of mercy." During his time in office, Martin oversaw hundreds of pardons and commutations, which he stated were aimed at rectifying what he perceived as the Biden administration’s “weaponization of the justice system” against Trump and his supporters.
Martin, who also served briefly as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, oversaw the dismissal of January 6th prosecutions following Trump’s mass pardons. He also initiated investigations into figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff, and led the Weaponization Working Group at the Department of Justice, targeting investigations into alleged Biden DOJ actions against Catholics, parents, and pro-life activists.
He expressed disapproval of Lisa Monaco, Deputy Attorney General under Merrick Garland, who he stated was rewarded with a high-paying position at Microsoft despite her role in what he called "partisan witch hunts." Martin, known for his cheerful demeanor and trademark trenchcoat, was described by the New York Post as a "happy warrior" and a significant advocate for conservative causes.
Martin, a co-author of "The Conservative Case for Trump" with Phyllis Schlafly, views Trump as embodying the "Horatio Alger myth of America." He stated that Trump's actions and policies aimed to restore a vision of America where individuals can succeed through hard work. Martin’s motto as pardon attorney was "No MAGA left behind," a principle he applied to pardoning individuals such as Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and election lawyers like John Eastman and Sidney Powell.
Beyond pardons, Martin’s final actions as pardon attorney included overseeing the Federal Firearm Rights Restoration rule, which allows non-violent felons to petition for clemency to regain Second Amendment rights. He emphasized the importance of the Second Amendment as a "stabilizer for our American nation."
Following his departure, Martin plans to focus on political organizing for upcoming midterm and future presidential elections, aiming to mobilize conservative voters and Second Amendment supporters. He stated his intention to "fight, fight, fight" for these elections, arguing that the administration has a strong case based on its achievements.