There’s still high-profile nominations stuck in the U.S. Senate. It’s not looking good for some of them.
And the White House was thrown for a loop when a Trump nomination was torpedoed in the U.S. Senate.
Trump’s Pick for DC Prosecutor Faces Senate Showdown
The nomination of Ed Martin as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, a critical role in the nation’s capital, is teetering on the edge as Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina signals his intent to oppose the confirmation. Martin, a steadfast ally of President Donald Trump, has been interim DC attorney, but his path to permanence is now clouded by Tillis’ unexpected resistance. This development casts a shadow over Trump’s efforts to install loyalists in key positions as his administration seeks to advance its ambitious agenda.
Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, revealed his stance after a meeting with Martin, expressing concerns rooted in their differing views on the January 6th Capitol breach prosecutions. “I’ve indicated to the White House I wouldn’t support his nomination,” Tillis told reporters Tuesday following his meeting with Martin the previous evening.
“Where we probably have a difference is that I think anybody that breached the [Capitol] perimeter [on January 6th] should have been in prison for some period of time — whether it’s 30 days or three years is debatable, but I have no tolerance for anybody that entered the building on January 6th and that’s probably where most of the friction was.” Tillis’ position suggests a rare divergence from Trump’s preferences, even as he acknowledges some January 6th defendants faced excessive prosecution.
President Trump, undeterred by the brewing opposition, took to Truth Social on Monday evening to rally Senate Republicans behind Martin. “According to many but, in particular, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., his approval is IMPERATIVE in terms of doing all that has to be done to SAVE LIVES and to, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN,” Trump wrote. “The Cost of the Chronic Disease Epidemic has gotten out of control over the past four years of the Biden Presidency. We are going to take our Country BACK, and FAST. Ed Martin will be a big player in doing so and, I hope, that the Republican Senators will make a commitment to his approval, which is now before them.” The president’s endorsement ties Martin’s nomination to his administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, a priority championed by Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, tasked with vetting Martin’s nomination, is where the battle lines are being drawn. Tillis’ opposition could result in a deadlocked 11-11 vote, stalling Martin’s nomination before it reaches the Senate floor. This potential roadblock is significant, as the committee’s approval is a critical step in the confirmation process. The absence of a scheduled vote on Martin’s nomination adds further uncertainty, leaving Trump’s pick in limbo as the administration pushes for swift confirmations to solidify its influence.
Not all Republicans are aligned with Tillis’ skepticism. Texas Senator John Cornyn, a key figure on the Judiciary Committee, has publicly thrown his support behind Martin. “When he comes up for a vote, I intend to support him,” Cornyn, who is facing a competitive primary challenge, told reporters. “I tend to defer to the president on his choices.” Cornyn’s backing is a boost for Martin, reflecting a willingness among some GOP senators to honor Trump’s selections. “He’s [the president is] entitled to some deference on his choices,” the Texas senator added. “What happens after this is out of my hands.” Cornyn’s stance underscores the loyalty Trump commands within parts of the Republican Party.
Martin’s credentials add weight to his nomination. A former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party from 2013 to 2015, Martin brings a deep well of political experience and alignment with conservative priorities. His tenure in Missouri showcased his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, making him a natural fit for the high-stakes role of DC’s top prosecutor. Trump’s administration views Martin as a linchpin in advancing policies aimed at addressing pressing national issues, including the chronic disease epidemic that has escalated in recent years.
However, Martin’s nomination faces potential headwinds from other quarters of the Senate. Republican Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Susan Collins of Maine have previously diverged from Trump on key nominations and policy decisions, such as his authority to impose tariffs. Their votes could prove pivotal in determining Martin’s fate, especially if the Judiciary Committee vote is as close as anticipated. These senators’ independent streaks pose a challenge to Trump’s efforts to unify the party behind his nominees.
Tillis’ opposition is particularly notable given his consistent support for Trump’s other nominees, including controversial picks like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His decision to break ranks on Martin’s nomination may be influenced by political calculations, as Tillis faces a challenging reelection campaign in 2026. The Cook Political Report rates his race as “Lean Republican,” signaling a competitive fight ahead. Former Democratic Representative Wiley Nickel has already launched a bid to unseat Tillis, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee is poised to invest heavily to defend the seat.
The stakes for Martin’s confirmation extend beyond the immediate role of DC prosecutor. Trump’s administration is banking on loyal appointees to drive its policy vision, particularly in areas like public health and criminal justice reform. Martin’s alignment with the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda positions him as a key player in this effort, making his confirmation a priority for the White House. The president’s public call for Senate support underscores the urgency of securing Martin’s role in the administration’s broader strategy.
Tillis’ electoral vulnerabilities add another layer of complexity to the nomination saga. As a senator up for reelection in a state that has become increasingly competitive, Tillis must balance his loyalty to Trump with the need to appeal to a diverse electorate. His opposition to Martin may be an attempt to carve out a distinct position on issues like January 6th, which remain divisive among voters. The National Republican Senatorial Committee’s expected financial support for Tillis’ campaign highlights the party’s determination to hold the seat, even as internal disagreements over nominations like Martin’s play out.
While the president enjoys significant influence, individual senators like Tillis, McConnell, Murkowski, and Collins wield considerable power in shaping the administration’s trajectory. As the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares to take up Martin’s nomination, all eyes are on the key players who will determine his fate. Cornyn’s support offers hope for Martin’s allies, but Tillis’ opposition and the potential skepticism of other senators create a formidable obstacle. The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump’s call for unity can overcome the divisions within his party.
The Conservative Column will keep you informed on any of the top nominations from the Trump administration and their confirmation processes.
