Senator Thom Tillis Opposes Trump Nominee Ed Martin

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a key Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has publicly announced his opposition to President Trump's nominee for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, primarily due to Martin's support for January 6 criminal defendants and his broader alignment with election denialism. Tillis communicated his stance to the White House, stating that Martin's advocacy for those charged in the Capitol riot and his controversial actions as interim U.S. attorney disqualify him for the permanent role. This opposition is significant as it likely dooms Martin's chances of Senate confirmation, given Tillis's pivotal committee vote. Critics from conservative and pro-Trump media have condemned Tillis, accusing him of betraying the America First movement and undermining Trump’s agenda, while also highlighting Tillis’s previous breaks from Trump on immigration and judicial matters. Supporters of Tillis argue his position reflects a principled stand against politicizing the Justice Department and maintains accountability for the events of January 6. The move may shift the power to select the next U.S. attorney for D.C. to figures less aligned with Trump, raising concerns among his base.