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

Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, along with Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Hank Johnson (GA-04), sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi raising serious concerns over the 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.

As the Senate continues to consider Martin’s nomination, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have raised concerns about his fitness to serve in the role. 

Read the full text of the letter here.