Trump’s U.S. Attorney Pick Appeared Over 150 Times on Russian State Media

Trump’s D.C. Attorney Pick Appeared on Russian State Media Over 150 Times, Raising National Security Concerns

Ed Martin Failed to Disclose RT and Sputnik Appearances Amid Confirmation Scrutiny

Ed Martin, Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., appeared over 150 times on Russian state-funded media outlets RT and Sputnik between 2016 and 2024, according to an investigation by The Washington Post. Despite the frequency and content of these appearances, Martin failed to disclose most of them in his official Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire, prompting concern from lawmakers and national security experts.

Martin is currently serving as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, overseeing the largest and arguably most sensitive federal prosecutor’s office in the country. His nomination for a permanent role has sparked fierce debate due to his past as a conservative commentator, his ties to the Trump-aligned “Stop the Steal” movement, and his frequent amplification of narratives aligned with Russian foreign policy objectives.

A Pattern of Appearances Aligned with Kremlin Talking Points

Martin’s commentary on RT and Sputnik often supported views promoted by the Kremlin, including questioning U.S. intelligence assessments, casting doubt on Russia's military activities, and opposing American foreign policy toward Ukraine and Syria.

In April 2017, just hours before Trump launched missile strikes against Syria following a chemical weapons attack, Martin appeared on RT to suggest that the incident was "engineered" by war-hungry elements within the U.S. government.

In January 2022, mere days before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Martin dismissed reports of a military buildup, claiming there was “no evidence” and accusing U.S. leaders of warmongering.

Martin continued making such appearances even after the invasion, frequently casting doubt on mainstream coverage and amplifying narratives critical of American institutions. At one point, he said of RT hosts, “There’s very few voices saying hold on, and your show and others on this network are some of those voices.”

Undisclosed Interviews Raise Legal and Ethical Red Flags

Senators on the Judiciary Committee were informed that Martin disclosed just 16 media appearances between 2016 and 2024 — none of which included RT or Sputnik — despite the committee’s requirement to list all media engagements. Analysts say Martin’s omissions are far more extensive than those of any other recent U.S. attorney nominee.

Spokespeople for the committee confirmed that as of this week, most of the RT and Sputnik appearances still had not been disclosed. Senate Democrats are now demanding a public hearing, with Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) stating Martin’s lack of transparency, along with the substance of his remarks, raises “serious questions” about his fitness for the role.

Martin's spokesperson said he submitted a supplemental disclosure this week but did not specify which appearances were included. The White House, supporting Trump’s nomination, called Martin “a brilliant choice” to restore law and order in the nation's capital.

Links to Russian State Media Draw Broader Concerns

RT and Sputnik have been registered as foreign agents since 2017 under U.S. law and are widely regarded as vehicles for Russian disinformation. Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2023 said they function “like a de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus,” a characterization that underscores the gravity of Martin’s repeated appearances on their platforms.

National security experts argue that Martin’s participation went beyond poor judgment and into the realm of aiding foreign influence operations.

“You cannot pretend you didn’t know what this was after 2016,” said Olga Belogolova, a Russian influence operations expert at Johns Hopkins University. “It shows very bad judgment, particularly given the role he now holds.”

Others, including nuclear policy advisor Joseph Cirincione, suggested Martin’s conduct should disqualify him from holding high-level national security responsibilities.

“Helping Russia advance its propaganda aims by echoing its views on its state-directed media — that should be disqualifying,” he said.

Political Ramifications and Trump’s Foreign Policy Shift

Martin’s nomination is being viewed as emblematic of the Trump administration’s broader foreign policy direction. In his second term, Trump has signaled a willingness to work more closely with Russia, proposing dramatic shifts in U.S. alliances, including distancing from NATO and pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace deal favorable to Moscow.

Martin’s past views mirror those of senior Trump officials like Vice President JD Vance and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who have openly criticized U.S. foreign interventions and questioned military aid to Ukraine.

Critics argue that Martin’s alignment with Kremlin narratives — coupled with Trump’s increasingly isolationist rhetoric — threatens the U.S.’s leadership of the post-war democratic order and emboldens authoritarian regimes.

Next Steps and Confirmation Uncertainty

If Martin is not confirmed by May 20, his 120-day interim appointment will expire, and the U.S. District Court in Washington will be responsible for appointing a new interim U.S. attorney. Senate Republicans now face the decision of how much political capital to spend defending a nominee mired in controversy.

Committee sources indicate that Martin has received more than 500 written questions from senators — a record number — highlighting the intense scrutiny of his record and credibility.

As of now, no evidence has emerged that Martin acted on behalf of Russian intelligence or received compensation for his media appearances. However, his case underscores how Russian state media has cultivated ties with American influencers sympathetic to its worldview — a dynamic U.S. intelligence agencies say is part of a broader strategy to undermine Western institutions from within.

Stay with The Horizons Times for continued updates on U.S. justice appointments, national security developments, and global democratic resilience in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment.