Ed Martin removed from DOJ Weaponization Working Group advisory panel

The Department of Justice (DOJ) removed the pardon attorney from an internal “Weaponization Working Group,” even though officials say the politically sensitive panel now meets more frequently, Fox News has learned.

Ed Martin currently serves as the Department of Justice’s pardon attorney; Appointed by President Donald Trump, this role involves reviewing pardon applications and making recommendations to the White House on pardons and commutations. He had also participated in the ministry’s internal Armament Working Group.

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed to Fox News on Monday that Martin had been removed from the working group, but it was not immediately clear why.

“President Trump appointed Ed Martin as Pardon Attorney, and Ed continues to do an excellent job in this role,” a Justice Department spokesperson said.

NY AG LETITIA JAMES CHALLENGES US ATTORNEY’S AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE CASES

Trump nominated Martin, a former defense attorney who represented Americans charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia in February of last year.

But Trump withdrew the nomination after lawmakers’ concerns delayed Martin’s confirmation.

Trump instead nominated Jeanine Pirro for the role, and she was ultimately confirmed.

FEDERAL JUDGE DISCLAIMS US ATTORNEY, NY AG issues COURT SUBPOENNA TARGETED LETITIA JAMES

The Justice Department has removed the pardon attorney from its internal Weaponization Working Group because the panel has increased its meetings, Fox News has confirmed. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Martin was appointed to serve as a U.S. pardon attorney on May 14, 2025, at which time he was appointed by Trump to serve as director of the Justice Department’s Weaponization Task Force, a position he held until his dismissal was announced on Monday.

The working group was formed in early 2025 and now meets more frequently, with the goal of meeting every day. It is an internal review body created to review allegations of abuse of federal law enforcement and prosecutorial powers for political or partisan purposes.

DOJ STARTS GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION OF LETITIA JAMES IN TRUMP CIVIL CASE

NY Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the Manhattan Federal Courthouse in New York City on February 14, 2025. (Michael M. Santiago)

Martin had previously scrutinized his actions regarding New York Attorney General Letitia James. In August, an attorney representing James criticized Martin for visiting his Brooklyn home and publicly suggesting his resignation, calling the visit “a stunt for the media.”

Martin later said he visited the property to “see” it and shared footage of the visit on social media.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

He was later granted special prosecutor authority to pursue mortgage fraud investigations involving James and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; both denied wrongdoing and stated that the investigations were politically motivated.

Martin also called on James to resign in a letter he described as “confidential” but later shared publicly on X.