Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin has raised concerns about Ed Martin, who is President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. According to a statement released by Durbin, Martin appeared 150 times as a guest commentator on RT and Sputnik, networks associated with the Russian government, from August 2016 to April 2024. These appearances were undisclosed during Martin’s submission of information to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In his statement, Durbin highlighted his apprehensions about Martin, noting his past behavior and comments. "It is well-documented that Ed Martin is a Donald Trump loyalist who has embraced a Nazi sympathizer and attacked law enforcement who kept lawmakers and staff safe during the January 6 insurrection," said Durbin. The senator also questioned Martin’s capacity to serve effectively as U.S. Attorney, particularly pointing to Martin's media appearances amid the Russian conflict with Ukraine.

Durbin indicated that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has submitted questions to Martin, and responses are expected during the April recess. Durbin stressed the importance of a hearing where Martin would testify under oath. "We must take our constitutional duty of advice and consent seriously," Durbin stated.

The senator cited Martin’s history of controversial statements, such as deriding law enforcement involved in the January 6 insurrection and calling a police officer, who suffered severe injuries during the event, "a fake cop." Durbin also noted Martin’s association with Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, a known Nazi sympathizer involved in the January 6 incident.

"As recently as April of last year—as Russia was actively bombing Ukraine—raises further serious questions about whether he has the temperament to serve as U.S. Attorney," emphasized Durbin, reflecting on Martin’s undisclosed interactions with Russian state media.

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