Key Takeaways:
- Ed Martin, a controversial pick by Donald Trump for U.S. Attorney, faces opposition in his Senate confirmation.
- Martin gave a fiery speech to a radical religious group, comparing their fight to overturn the 2020 election to the biblical battle of Jericho.
- He dismissed charges against January 6 defendants as acting U.S. Attorney.
- Martin’s nomination is stalled due to his ties to the Capitol riot and his radical views.
Ed Martin, a former Missouri Republican activist and one of Donald Trump’s most contentious nominees, is struggling to win Senate confirmation as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. This comes after shocking footage surfaced of Martin likening the fight to overturn the 2020 election to the violent biblical story of Jericho.
A Radical Speech with Biblical Overtones
In December 2020, weeks before the Capitol riot, Martin spoke to a fringe religious group called Rod of Iron Ministries. This group, led by Pastor Sean Moon, is known for worshipping with AR-15 rifles and radical views. Martin told them:
- Institutions blocking Trump’s election reversal would “fall like Jericho.”
- He referenced the biblical story where the Israelites destroyed the city of Jericho, leaving no survivors.
Martin, who introduced himself as a founder of the “Stop the Steal” movement, urged the group to keep fighting, even if the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s election challenges. “We speak His truth,” Martin said, blending Christianity with loyalty to Trump.
Ties to the Capitol Riot
On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to block certification of Joe Biden’s win. Five people died in the violence, and over 1,000 have been charged.
Sean Moon, the leader of Rod of Iron Ministries, celebrated the riot, calling it a takeover of the “Satanic temple” and praising rioters for sending “the most powerful people” into hiding.
Martin was present at the Capitol that day but wasn’t charged. Afterward, he became a vocal advocate for pardoning January 6 defendants, even those accused of violence.
Martin’s Role as Acting U.S. Attorney
After Trump returned to power, Martin was named acting U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. During his tenure, he personally dismissed charges against some January 6 defendants still awaiting trial.
In a 2024 podcast, Martin defended his support for pardons, claiming the government “set up” the rioters. “It’s not entrapment,” he said. “It’s much more sophisticated than that.”
Political Fallout
Martin’s nomination for a permanent role as U.S. Attorney has hit a roadblock in the Senate. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a key swing vote, announced he cannot support Martin, citing his ties to the Capitol riot.
Tillis said, “I have no tolerance for anybody who entered the building on January 6.” He emphasized that those who breached the Capitol should face prison time, even if only for a short period.
Other Republican senators also appear uneasy. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley hasn’t scheduled a confirmation vote, signaling doubt about Martin’s chances.
The Jericho March and Its Aftermath
Three days after Martin’s speech, the “Jericho March” took place in Washington, D.C. The event featured Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers militia, who called for Trump to declare martial law or face “a much more desperate, much more bloody war.”
Rhodes was later convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the Capitol riot and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
A Fringe Religious Group with a Violent Past
Rod of Iron Ministries, the group Martin addressed, is a splinter sect of the Unification Church. Its members are known for carrying AR-15 rifles during worship and embracing apocalyptic views.
After the Capitol riot, Pastor Sean Moon celebrated the violence, calling it a victory over a “Satanic temple” and praising rioters for instilling fear in powerful officials.
A Nomination in Jeopardy
Ed Martin’s inflammatory speech and his dismissal of January 6 charges have made him a polarizing figure. While Trump loyalists support him, moderate Republicans like Senator Tillis are hesitant to back his nomination.
With key senators opposed, Martin’s chances of becoming U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., are fading fast. His saga reflects the ongoing political fallout from the Capitol riot and the challenges Trump faces in advancing his agenda.
As the 2024 election approaches, Martin’s failed nomination could become a symbol of the broader debate over the legacy of January 6 and the future of Trump’s influence in the Republican Party.