Ed Martin, former interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., Trump-era Pardon Attorney, and “Weaponization” Working Group leader, faces D.C. Bar ethics charges for allegedly threatening Georgetown University Law Center over its “DEI” (diversity, equity, inclusion) programs and trying to derail a bar probe.
Core Allegations from D.C. Bar Counsel Hamilton Fox’s Filing
- Threats to Georgetown Law (Feb 2026 letter): As interim U.S. Attorney, Martin demanded the school confirm it had eliminated “illegal and immoral” DEI from curriculum, based on an unnamed whistleblower. Without a response, he barred Georgetown students/affiliates from DOJ fellowships, internships, or jobs. He later threatened its 501(c)(3) status and $1B in federal funds. Bar claims this coerced suppression of viewpoints, violating his oath and the 1st/5th Amendments.
- Interference in Bar Investigation: After a complaint from retired CA Judge Phillip Argento, Martin allegedly made ex parte contacts with D.C. Court of Appeals judges (including emails/letters demanding counsel Hamilton Fox’s suspension and case dismissal), missing response deadlines, and “seriously interfer[ing] with justice administration.”
The petition went to the D.C. Court of Appeals Board on Professional Responsibility. Martin responded formally in June 2026.
DOJ/Trump Admin Response
- Called D.C. Bar “partisan,” ignoring Biden/Obama ethics issues while targeting Trump allies.
- Deputy AG Todd Blanche labeled it a “blatantly Democrat-run political organization” on X, vowing never to join.
- Context: Martin was recently sidelined from Weaponization role; DOJ under AG Pam Bondi proposes rules to federalize state bar probes of DOJ attorneys. Blanche denied internal DOJ misconduct probes against Martin.
This stems from broader tensions over Trump-era officials’ bar scrutiny. Track via D.C. Court of Appeals or DOJ statements for rulings.
