The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken pardon attorneys off its internal “weaponization task force.” This comes even as officials indicate that the committee has been meeting more often, according to recent reports.
Ed Martin, who currently holds the role of pardon attorney, was appointed by President Donald Trump. His job involves reviewing applications for pardons and offering advice to the White House on such matters. He was also a member of the DOJ’s Weaponization Working Group.
A spokesperson from the Justice Department confirmed on Monday that Martin’s role in the task force has been terminated, although the reasons for this decision remain unclear.
“President Trump has appointed Ed Martin as his pardon attorney, and Ed continues to do an excellent job in that role,” the spokesperson stated.
Last February, President Trump had nominated Martin, a former defense attorney who represented individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, for the position of U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. However, due to concerns raised by lawmakers, his nomination was delayed, eventually leading Trump to withdraw it. Instead, he nominated Jeanine Pirro, who was subsequently confirmed.
Martin had been appointed as U.S. pardon attorney on May 14, 2025, and had also led the DOJ’s Weaponization Task Force until his recent dismissal. This task force was set up in early 2025 and aims to investigate claims of political misuse of federal law enforcement and prosecutorial powers. Meetings have been increasing in frequency, with plans for daily sessions in the future.
Previously, Martin faced criticism over his interactions with New York Attorney General Letitia James. A lawyer representing James had accused him of staging a media stunt by visiting his Brooklyn home and suggesting his resignation. In response, James had said she went to the property merely to “take a look” and shared photos of her visit on social media.
Following this, Martin was given special prosecutor powers to investigate mortgage fraud involving James and California Senator Adam Schiff, both of whom have denied any wrongdoing, labeling the inquiry as politically charged. Additionally, Martin had urged James to resign in a letter marked “confidential,” which he later made public on social media.
