DAGA Statement on Ed Martin Weaponizing DOJ to Harass New York AG James
August 25, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) released the below statement on President Trump’s dangerous appointee Ed Martin violating ethics rules and abusing his role at the Department of Justice to harass New York AG Letitia James.
A group of 21 Democratic attorneys general, led by Maryland AG Anthony Brown, issued a letter condemning Mr. Martin and his recent actions. In the letter, the AGs state, “As the attorneys general and chief legal officers of our respective states, we know that the people rely on prosecutorial authorities to wield the power of government to protect the public interest, without fear or favor. Deploying the power of the government in pursuit of personal vendettas, to achieve political ends, or to thwart the enforcement of state law is an abuse of that trust.”
The letter concludes, “We call on the Department of Justice to cease its attacks on AG James and other political targets. And we call on others in power to stand up against the Department’s abuses. The wheels of justice must never become a tool of political and personal retribution.”
Statement from Sean Rankin, President of DAGA:
“As a public servant, AG James has done right by the people of New York, and she has inspired others across our country by standing up fearlessly for justice. DAGA stands with AG James and will defend her and other AGs when they are unjustly attacked for doing their job. AG James, we have your back.
“Ed Martin continues to abuse his position in a role which should not exist. His harassment of AG James violates ethical standards and by intention weaponizes the Department of Justice for political retribution. This is un-American.”
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