New Election Fraud Unit Established by Interim DC Prosecutor
March 18, 2025, 2:12 pm CDT
Edward R. Martin Jr., interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, speaks at an event at the U.S. Capitol in June 2023. (Photo by Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/The Associated Press)
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Edward R. Martin Jr., has announced the formation of a new unit aimed specifically at investigating allegations of election fraud. Martin, who has served as the interim U.S. attorney since January, has stated that the establishment of this unit, named the “Special Unit: Election Accountability,” stems from a need to enhance public trust in the electoral process.
In an internal communication shared with his staff, Martin emphasized the necessity for volunteers to help populate this new office, which has reportedly begun its work by launching its initial investigation. “Americans do not have confidence in our election systems,” Martin said, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding electoral integrity to restore public faith.
Martin’s appointment was made by former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly propagated the unfounded narrative that the 2020 election was fraudulent. The interim attorney’s past involvement with Trump-related legal matters raises questions about the motivations behind the newly formed unit. Following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Martin is documented to have represented individuals charged in connection with the event and has participated in fundraising activities for their defense.
As reactions to Martin’s announcement unfold, the scope and authority of this new election fraud unit are being scrutinized. David Becker, a former attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice and current leader of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, remarked on the lack of clarity surrounding the unit’s jurisdiction and the legal framework it intends to operate within. “I’m waiting to see more about what this unit actually is, what jurisdiction it purports to claim, what authority it tends to seize, and what laws it purports to enforce,” he shared.
In light of the recent developments, U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, has publicly urged the Department of Justice’s Inspector General to examine Martin’s actions, citing concerns over alleged legal ethical violations as he pursues those he perceives as undermining Trump’s agenda. Raskin has also criticized Martin for the termination of over a dozen career federal prosecutors who worked on investigations related to the January 6 events.
The call to reject Martin’s permanent appointment by nearly 100 former federal prosecutors serves to highlight the contentious nature of his appointment. They contend that his political affiliations could unduly influence his professional conduct as U.S. attorney.
As the new unit approaches its initial investigations, many in the legal community will be watching closely to determine its impact on election integrity and the broader implications for the rule of law.
