A coalition of 23 state attorneys general is urging the U.S. Senate to act quickly. They want lawmakers to confirm Ed Martin as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia before a critical May 20 deadline. This push comes as control over the position could shift to a federal court led by Judge James Boasberg, a known Trump critic.
Restore the Rule of Law the key phrase repeated by several AGs in the letter — became the central theme of their message.
In their Monday letter, sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, the attorneys general made their case. They claimed the District is plagued by rising crime, bureaucratic failures, and a loss of public confidence. They blame these issues on mismanagement during the Biden administration.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita led the effort. He said Martin has already proven himself. “He’s restoring order and accountability,” Rokita stated. “We need the Senate to confirm him now to ensure his work continues without interruption.”
Martin began his interim role on January 20, 2025. His term expires in mid-May. If the Senate does not confirm him by then, Boasberg and other judges can appoint a temporary replacement. Critics argue this process could favor politically motivated choices.
Trump has criticized Boasberg’s court in the past. He warned that the judicial system in D.C. and New York is biased against conservatives. He cited blocked deportation policies and rulings unfavorable to his administration.
Martin, a former defense lawyer, represented several January 6 defendants. Since taking over, he has dropped many of their charges following Trump’s mass pardons. He also launched investigations into federal overspending and public corruption. In February, he pledged to “Restore the Rule of Law” by protecting government watchdogs and prosecuting those who undermine public trust.
Despite his efforts, Senate Democrats remain skeptical. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin raised concerns about contradictions in Martin’s Judiciary Committee questionnaire. He said Martin’s answers created more confusion than clarity.
Still, Republican attorneys general remain firm. They argue that crime surged under Biden’s appointees. Homicides rose 35%, robberies jumped 67%, and car thefts skyrocketed 82% in D.C. last year. They blamed former U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for declining to prosecute most cases.
In contrast, Martin’s short tenure has included action against violent protestors, cybercriminals, and corrupt officials. According to the letter, Martin has done “more in four months than Graves did in four years.”
The attorneys general stressed the urgency. They called on the Senate to move fast, saying the District cannot afford another failed prosecutor.
Restore the Rule of Law remains their rallying cry. They insist Martin is the right man for the job and that delay would only invite further chaos.
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