Sen. Thom Tillis puts onus on president to avoid Boasberg picking US attorney
Sen. Thom Tillis’ office has dismissed concerns that a left-wing court could appoint an interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia after the North Carolina Republican opposed President Donald Trump’s nomination for the role. With the May 20 deadline looming for the confirmation of Ed Martin as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Tillis made it clear that he would not support the nomination, putting the onus on the Trump administration to select a successor and prevent federal judges from getting involved.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee overseeing Martin’s confirmation process, Tillis raised objections to the nomination, leading to a delay in scheduling a vote on the appointment. If an interim U.S. attorney is not confirmed within 120 days, federal judges in the district could step in to name a replacement. Judge James Boasberg, an Obama-appointed judge known for his legal challenges against Trump’s deportation policies, could potentially play a role in appointing an interim U.S. attorney if the Senate fails to confirm Martin.
However, Tillis’ office assured that Attorney General Pam Bondi has the authority to select an acting replacement before the expiration of the original appointment, bypassing the need for judicial intervention. Under 28 U.S. Code ยง 546, the attorney general can appoint an acting U.S. attorney if the Senate fails to confirm a nominee within the specified timeframe.
Tillis expressed reservations about Martin’s appointment due to his previous role as a defense attorney representing individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. While acknowledging that some individuals may have been over-prosecuted, Tillis emphasized the seriousness of the events and questioned Martin’s suitability for the position in light of his past associations.
Despite Tillis’ opposition, Trump and his administration have rallied support for Martin’s confirmation, highlighting the urgency of the appointment to address pressing issues in the District of Columbia. The former president called on Republican senators to prioritize Martin’s approval, emphasizing the importance of his role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.
In a show of solidarity, 23 state attorneys general penned a letter urging Senate leaders to swiftly confirm Martin as U.S. attorney, citing the need for effective leadership in addressing corruption and restoring the rule of law in the district. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita spearheaded the letter, praising Martin’s leadership and commitment to upholding the law in the nation’s capital.
As the confirmation process for Ed Martin nears its deadline, the Senate Judiciary Committee faces pressure to act decisively and confirm a qualified candidate to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. With the involvement of key stakeholders and the backing of state attorneys general, the push for Martin’s confirmation underscores the importance of appointing a capable leader to address the challenges facing the district and uphold the principles of justice and integrity.
