Rep. Raskin Probes Ed Martin's Removal from Weaponization Working Group

Lawmaker demands DOJ files on controversial attorney's demotion amid reports of improper grand jury disclosures.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) is launching an investigation into the Justice Department's decision to remove Ed Martin from his role as head of the Weaponization Working Group. Raskin is demanding the DOJ turn over all files related to Martin's demotion, which comes amid reports he improperly disclosed grand jury material about prosecutions of Trump allies.

Why it matters

Martin, a former Stop The Steal organizer, has faced numerous controversies during his tenure at the DOJ, including allegations of misconduct and unethical behavior. Raskin's probe highlights ongoing tensions between Democrats and the DOJ over the department's handling of investigations into Trump and his allies.

The details

According to the report, Martin was removed from his position as head of the Weaponization Working Group after a DOJ review found he had improperly shared information about ongoing investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). The DOJ had previously investigated Martin for potentially improperly deputizing outside figures to aid in the Schiff probe.

  • On February 11, 2026, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) launched the probe into Martin's removal.
  • Earlier this month, news broke that Martin had been removed from his role as head of the Weaponization Working Group.

The players

Rep. Jamie Raskin

A Democratic congressman from Maryland and the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

Ed Martin

A former Stop The Steal organizer who served as the head of the DOJ's Weaponization Working Group and as U.S. Pardon Attorney, despite facing numerous controversies and allegations of misconduct.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who was the subject of an investigation by the DOJ that Martin was accused of improperly disclosing information about.

Adam Schiff

A Democratic congressman from California who was also the subject of an investigation by the DOJ that Martin was accused of improperly disclosing information about.

Pam Bondi

The current Attorney General who is set to appear before the House panel on Wednesday.

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What they’re saying

“What have you learned about Ed Martin that finally led you to fire him? Given how much of Mr. Martin's flagrant misconduct you have been willing to overlook as you championed and promoted him, anything that finally prompted you to remove him— including any criminal disclosure of grand jury materials—must be spectacularly egregious. Congress and the American people deserve to know: what is the unforgivable offense that finally, after all his wild transgressions and all your humiliating passivity, cost Ed Martin his job?”

— Rep. Jamie Raskin, House Judiciary Committee Democrat (wtnh.com)

What’s next

The matter is likely to be raised with Attorney General Pam Bondi when she appears before the House panel on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This probe highlights the ongoing tensions between Democrats and the DOJ over the department's handling of investigations into Trump and his allies, with Raskin demanding answers on why the controversial Ed Martin was finally removed from his position despite a long history of alleged misconduct.