A quiet upheaval occurred within the Justice Department on New Year’s Eve, as Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche removed Ed Martin from his position leading the Weaponization Working Group. The move, reported by investigative journalist Paul Sperry, effectively dismantled the group tasked with investigating potential abuses of power within the department.
Ed Martin’s path to the DOJ was already marked by political currents. Initially nominated by President Trump for the DC US Attorney position, his confirmation was blocked by Senator Tillis. Trump subsequently appointed Martin as the US Pardon Attorney and then, crucially, as Director of the Weaponization Working Group – a role designed to scrutinize past investigations.
While Martin remains within the Department as Pardon Attorney, his removal from the Weaponization Working Group signals a significant shift in priorities. Sources within the DOJ revealed that Blanche not only fired Martin on December 31st, but also initiated the process of clearing out the group’s office space.
The vacated office isn’t remaining empty. Instead, it’s being repurposed to accommodate the influx of files related to the Epstein case. This reallocation of resources has raised questions about the future of investigations into past controversies, including those surrounding the “Russiagate” investigation.
According to Sperry’s sources, Blanche also restricted Martin’s access to staff and funding, effectively hindering the group’s ability to pursue its investigations. This deliberate obstruction suggests a desire to curtail accountability for past actions within the Justice Department.
The timing of the move is particularly noteworthy. Coming at the end of the year, and coinciding with the prioritization of the Epstein files, it appears to represent a decisive closing of one chapter and a clear focus on another. The implications for ongoing investigations remain to be seen.
Adding another layer to the situation is Blanche’s own political affiliation. Records indicate he was a registered Democrat as recently as 2024, a fact that has fueled speculation about the motivations behind his actions and the future direction of the Justice Department.
