Trump DOJ Leak Scandal Explodes from Within

Ed Martin, Trump's anti-weaponization leader, sidelined and expected to leave Justice Department over leaked grand jury information.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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According to reports, Ed Martin, President Donald Trump's leader on his "anti-weaponization" effort at the Justice Department, was sidelined and is expected to leave the agency altogether. The reason is that an investigation found Martin leaked secret grand jury information to the public, which is illegal.

Why it matters

This scandal highlights ongoing tensions and dysfunction within the Trump-era Justice Department, with allegations of improper leaks and attempts to politically weaponize federal investigations. It raises questions about the integrity of DOJ operations and oversight during the previous administration.

The details

The investigation by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche found that Martin leaked information about the Trump administration's efforts to indict Democratic figures like Rep. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James. However, the charges against James were later dismissed after a judge found the prosecutor was not legally in the post, and a new grand jury refused to indict her.

  • The review of Martin's handling of materials burst into public view in December 2025 after a witness who received a subpoena showed up at the courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, seeking to testify.
  • Martin hasn't been charged with a crime yet, and the DOJ hasn't determined "whether any law was broken."

The players

Ed Martin

President Donald Trump's leader on his "anti-weaponization" effort at the Justice Department, who was sidelined and is expected to leave the agency altogether due to an investigation finding he leaked secret grand jury information.

Todd Blanche

Deputy Attorney General who led the investigation into Martin's handling of materials.

Adam Schiff

Democratic U.S. Senator from California who was the target of the Trump administration's efforts to indict him.

Letitia James

New York Attorney General who was also the target of the Trump administration's efforts to indict her, but the charges were later dismissed.

Pam Bondi

Attorney General who wrote on X that there was "no investigation into Bill Pulte", but did not mention Martin.

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What they’re saying

“There is no investigation into Bill Pulte”

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (X)

“Ed is doing a great job as Pardon Attorney.”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General (CNN)

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Martin will face any criminal charges for the alleged leaks of secret grand jury information.

The takeaway

This scandal underscores the ongoing dysfunction and political tensions within the Trump-era Justice Department, raising concerns about the integrity of federal investigations and the potential misuse of government resources for political purposes.