Bell, Kaptur, Quigley, Johnson Send Letter Opposing Ed Martin Nomination Over Russian Media Ties

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), along with Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), led a letter to President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi raising serious concerns over the potential nomination of Ed Martin to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

The letter cites Martin's extensive history of appearances on Russian state-funded media outlets RT and Sputnik-over 150 times in recent years-as cause for alarm given the sensitive nature of the role. The lawmakers argue that Martin's public statements on these platforms, many of which were not disclosed, have often echoed Kremlin propaganda and undermined U.S. national security interests, particularly regarding Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

"Mr. Martin's public contributions to Russian-backed platforms are deeply troubling to consider when considering how these views may reflect his stance toward critical issues related to Ukraine and national security. The downplaying of Russian aggression and interference in Ukraine he has espoused on Russian media raises concerns about his ability to uphold U.S. interests, particularly at a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine has escalated tensions globally. Additionally, his denying evidence of a Russian military buildup near Ukraine's borders and suggesting that it was the U.S., not the Assad Regime, who "engineered" the deadly 2017 Syrian chemical weapons attack. His appearances have included promoting narratives that align with Russian propaganda over U.S. policy positions and our national interests," said the lawmakers.

"Crucially, Mr. Martin did not fully disclose his extensive involvement with RT and Sputnik as required on his Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire. This failure in transparency regarding his associations with Russian-backed media outlets calls into question his judgment and commitment to serving the interests of the United States. The U.S. government has consistently recognized RT and Sputnik as propaganda and intelligence tools of the Russian state, and his refusal to disclose his participation raises serious doubts about his loyalty to American values," continued the lawmakers.

"Given the gravity of these concerns, we urge you to conduct a thorough review of Mr. Martin's past statements, associations, and overall fitness for the role of U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. The appointment of an individual with such questionable allegiances could have serious repercussions for both U.S. foreign policy and the integrity of our legal system," concluded the lawmakers.

Read the full text of the letter here.