Martin is Pardon Attorney Short-Timer, CNN Reports – Update for February 9, 2026

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EDDIE, WE HARDLY KNEW YE

Edward Martin – the man who was too pro-Trump even for some Republican senators to serve as U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia, being relegated instead to be Pardon Attorney and as Dept of Justice “weaponization” czar – has been quietly stripped of one title and is expected to step down as Pardon Attorney in the next few weeks.

The Wall Street Journal and other outlets reported last week that Martin has been stripped of his duties leading the so-called weaponization working group, formed early last year to take action against government employees deemed hostile to Trump or to conservative ideals.

Martin remains the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, where his duties included reviewing clemency applications and making recommendations to the president. Having once worked from an office department headquarters dubbed the “Freedom Suite,” he has relocated to the pardon attorney’s offices across town. Martin is expected to leave the department in coming weeks.

CNN reported that a DOJ review found that Martin improperly shared secret grand jury material in the investigation of the Senator Adam Schiff case, an investigation into an alleged (and dubious) mortgage fraud matter. CNN’s source said Martin initially falsely denied sharing grand jury material with unauthorized people, but emails soon surfaced showing that he had done so.

CNN said Martin “is expected to leave the department in the coming weeks, according to a source familiar with his plans.’

As Pardon Attorney, Martin prioritized clemency for people connected to the President and the MAGA movement, and people whose families have been major donors to the Trump campaign or projects. He proudly declared on the X formerly known as Twitter that his pardon policy was “No MAGA left behind.”

Martin’s signature clemency actions have been overwhelmingly partisan. Martin’s legal background included making a cottage industry of defending people charged with rioting and other offenses arising from the January 6th, 2001, march on the U.S. Capitol

Wall Street Journal, Trump Ally Ed Martin Loses Weaponization Czar Role (February 2, 2026)

CNN, Justice Department review found Trump ally Ed Martin improperly leaked grand jury material in probe of president’s foes (February 4, 2026)

CNN, Ed Martin: Trump’s one-time weaponization chief is expected to depart Justice Department in coming weeks (February 2, 2026)

~ Thomas L. Root