Trump nominates Ed Martin as permanent U.S. attorney in Washington

Feb. 17 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Monday nominated Ed Martin, a lawyer who defended multiple participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol to serve as permanent U.S. Attorney for Washington.

Trump announced the nomination on his Truth Social social media platform, citing Martin's "distinguished career of service" working as Human Rights Office Director for the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, as a judicial clerk to Judge Pasco M. Bowman II of the Eighth Circuit Court of appeals and in his own law practice.

"Since Inauguration Day, Ed has been doing a great job as interim U.S. Attorney, fighting tirelessly to restore law and order, and make our nation's capital safe and beautiful again. He will get the job done," Trump said.

Martin, will face a Senate confirmation vote to determine whether he will be approved to take over the position full-time.

Trump appointed him at the start of his second term, with Martin firing 30 prosecutors who worked on cases related to the Jan. 6 riots and dismissing many cases related to the riots.

He has also suggested on social media that he would investigate former special counsel Jack Smith and those who oppose Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.