A rift between two of President Donald Trump’s favorite lawyers has revealed a broader divide within his administration, pitting legal traditionalists against hardline MAGA activists. The conflict escalated when Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney, removed Ed Martin from leading a key group investigating political foes, underscoring tensions over how aggressively to pursue the president’s agenda.
The schism centers on Todd Blanche and Ed Martin, who took different paths to the Justice Department. Blanche, a seasoned lawyer from New York, earned Trump’s trust by representing him in criminal cases and was appointed to a senior role. In contrast, Martin, a former Missouri politician, rose through MAGA ranks by championing “Stop the Steal” efforts and defending January 6 defendants, earning a reputation for unwavering loyalty.
At the start of 2026, Blanche benched Martin from directing the Working Weaponization Working Group, a move that capped months of friction. Martin had been tasked with investigating Trump’s political enemies, but his tactics—including direct coordination with the White House and public grand jury leaks—clashed with Blanche’s emphasis on legal boundaries. The final straw came in December when Martin was found to have mishandled evidence in a probe targeting Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff.
Martin’s expected departure from the Justice Department highlights a fundamental rift: some officials advocate working within established legal frameworks, while others view these constraints as obstacles to Trump’s priorities. This division mirrors past conflicts in Trump’s first term, where appointees like Matthew Whitaker faced resistance over handling investigations such as Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.
The episode has practical consequences, stalling key investigations into Trump’s grievances, including alleged overreach in previous administrations. Despite Martin’s efforts, the Weaponization Group produced few results, frustrating Trump, who has publicly demanded more aggressive action against his adversaries. Recent reports indicate the group will now meet daily to accelerate progress.
Behind the scenes, Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has sought to minimize public drama, but internal tensions persist. Allies note that while the Justice Department moves slowly, bypassing legal norms has damaged its credibility and hindered agenda implementation. One observer lamented, “They’re competing for who is more MAGA,” reflecting the factional strife.
Looking ahead, with Martin sidelined but still serving as pardon attorney, the administration aims to refocus efforts. The Weaponization Group is expected to intensify its work in the coming months, though Martin’s future remains uncertain, with reports of him working at the White House. This ongoing schism underscores the challenges of balancing legal integrity with political demands in a polarized environment.
