In an unexpected move, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, has withdrawn his backing of Ed Martin, President Donald Trump's choice for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. Announced on a Tuesday, Tillis's decision could prove pivotal, as his support was deemed critical to counteract the solid Democratic opposition and skepticism from moderate Republicans. Without Senator Tillis's vote, Martin's nomination appears to be teetering on the edge of failure.
Senator Tillis addressed the media at the Capitol, elaborating on his reservations, which primarily centered around the events of January 6th. He acknowledged Martin as a "good man" but expressed significant concerns over his stance on the Capitol breach prosecutions. “Most of my concerns related to January 6th," Tillis stated. "He built a compelling case that some of the J6 prosecutions were poorly made." Yet, Tillis drew a hard line regarding those who entered the Capitol, advocating imprisonment regardless of the sentence duration.
During Trump's tenure, Ed Martin played a substantial role in the administration's review of the January 6th cases. As acting U.S. attorney, he spearheaded efforts to re-examine the convictions and sentences of the individuals charged after the Capitol riot. Under Trump, several defendants saw their sentences reduced or were released early, fulfilling a promise to mitigate legal consequences for many involved.
The nomination's prospects look grim as the Senate Judiciary Committee, evenly split, faces a likely deadlock, and the clock ticks toward the May 20 deadline for Martin's acting role. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) hinted that the committee would not move forward without the necessary votes. Furthermore, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) conceded the uncertain future of Martin's nomination, despite a preference for the success of presidential nominees.
Despite the blow to his nomination, Trump remained supportive of Martin, confidently posting on Truth Social that he "WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN" if approved. Meanwhile, Tillis, who is preparing for a re-election campaign in 2026, is negotiating a fine line between appeasing his conservative base and the increasingly liberal voters of North Carolina. He also faces a primary challenge from retired businessman Andy Nilsson.
The withdrawal of support from Senator Tillis marks a significant setback for Trump's influence on the nomination process. The event underscores the ongoing complexities within the Republican Party as it grapples with the aftermath of January 6th and looks ahead to future elections.