Ed Martin, outspoken Justice Department lawyer, is formally accused of ethical violations Interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin faces attorney discipline proceedings in Washington, D.C., after being formally accused of violating ethical codes. The disciplinary complaint, filed by Hamilton Fox, the district’s professional conduct investigator, alleges that Martin violated his obligations as a government attorney by sending a letter to Georgetown Law’s dean last year. In the letter, Martin claimed the Justice Department would not hire students from Georgetown Law due to the school’s diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives. The complaint, announced on Tuesday, marks the first major bar discipline proceeding against a high-profile Trump administration official or attorney supporting President Donald Trump during his second term. Fox’s filing states that Martin acted in his official capacity to suppress a disfavored viewpoint, specifically the teaching and promotion of “DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion) at Georgetown Law. The complaint argues that Martin demanded the law school relinquish its free speech and religious rights in exchange for continued employment opportunities for its students. Martin, who was removed from the top prosecutor role in D.C. after senators blocked his confirmation, remains at the Justice Department in several roles, including as pardon attorney. The disciplinary process requires Martin to respond to the allegations, with potential sanctions or the loss of his law license. A Justice Department spokesperson criticized the complaint, accusing the D.C. bar of targeting Trump supporters while ignoring ethical violations by previous administrations. The controversy stems from a letter Martin sent to Georgetown Law while temporarily serving as U.S.#ed_martin #georgetown_law #hamilton_fox #pam_bondi #dc_court_of_appeals
