Tillis opposition puts Trump loyalist's nomination in jeopardy

• Tillis told reporters that he left a Monday night meeting with Martin — who is now serving in the role in an interim capacity — concerned about the nominee's views over the proper punishment for Jan. 6 offenders.
• "I have no tolerance for anyone who entered the building on Jan. 6, and that's probably where most of the friction was," he said, according to a post on X. "At this point, I've indicated to the White House I wouldn't support his nomination."

State of play: In February, Trump nominated Martin, a MAGA true believer who dismissed Jan. 6 investigators and says he will be tougher on violent criminals in the city.

• And the White House showed no signs of backing away from the pick following Tillis' comments.
• "Ed Martin is a fantastic U.S. Attorney for D.C. and will continue to implement the President's law-and-order agenda in Washington. He is the right man for the job and we look forward to his confirmation," White House spokesman Alex Pfeiffer told Axios.
• The U.S. Attorney for D.C. has a big portfolio: white collar and national security investigations, for example, but also nearly all street-level crime in the District.

What we're watching: Martin's interim role is set to expire May 20, and Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has yet to schedule a committee vote on the nomination.

• "I want to put people on the agenda that I can help the President be successful in his nominees and and that's all I can say at this point," Grassley told reporters.

Axios' Marc Caputo contributed reporting.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.