Trump ally Ed Martin is ending his role as the Justice Department’s “use of arms” czar investigating prosecutors who launched past investigations into President Donald Trump and his allies, two people familiar with the discussions told NBC News.
When asked if Martin is still serving in that capacity, a Justice Department spokesperson told NBC News that Martin continues to serve in other capacities as a pardon attorney.
“President Trump has appointed Ed Martin as his pardon attorney, and Ed continues to do an excellent job in that role,” the spokesperson said.
Mr. Martin was named to lead the Weaponization Task Force last spring after the longtime right-wing activist was replaced by Mr. Trump as the nominee for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., over the objections of key Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Martin, an advocate for those arrested after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, previously said the Justice Department intends to “name” and “shame” those who cannot be formally charged with a crime, a major departure from the agency’s long-standing policy.
It is not clear who will currently lead the group.
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