DOJ's Ed Martin Faces Ethics Charges Over Threatening Letter

Justice Department pardon attorney Ed Martin has been formally accused of ethics violations for sending a threatening letter to Georgetown University Law Center about its diversity programs. The complaint, filed by Hamilton “Phil” Fox III of the D.C. Bar, alleges that Martin's actions violated constitutional protections for free speech and due process and breached ethics rules requiring lawyers to support the U.S. Constitution.

The announcement puts Martin in a position where he must respond to questions about his conduct and could face sanctions or even lose his law license. According to court documents filed on Tuesday, Martin's letter threatened action if Georgetown University did not end its diversity policies, potentially affecting employment opportunities for students.

Martin, who supported the Jan. 6 rioters and was previously seen in a photo smiling with accused rapist Russell Brand, has faced scrutiny throughout his tenure for publicizing investigations and targeting Trump's political adversaries. He was nominated for U.S. attorney but did not receive enough Senate votes for approval.

The complaint also alleges that Martin tried to evade action from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel by ignoring its letters and asking a judge to intervene. In March 2025, Martin sent a letter to Georgetown Law, saying he would not hire any interns or graduates from the school because of its 'DEI' policies and teaching. He later escalated the threat, stating that if the school did not respond, it would affect its status as a nonprofit.

Fox alleged that Martin knew or should have known his conduct violated the First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. The Justice Department spokesperson accused the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel of political bias, stating that the organization is targeting those serving President Trump while refusing to investigate actual ethical violations committed by Biden and Obama administration attorneys.