Attorney General Todd Blanche delivered his inaugural speech to Justice Department staff Thursday at headquarters, seeking to reassure employees following a contentious confirmation process. Blanche, who previously served as President Donald Trump’s criminal defense attorney before joining the department last year as deputy attorney general, was confirmed by the Senate by the narrowest margins, with two Republicans voting against his confirmation due to concerns about politicization of the agency.
During his remarks in the Great Hall, Blanche pledged to uphold the rule of law without favoritism and encouraged staff to share ideas and disagreement. He acknowledged that not all of his decisions would prove correct and promised to listen to department employees. Without addressing specific actions that have drawn criticism, Blanche stated he would work diligently and remain receptive to needed adjustments.
Blanche assumes leadership of the department during a period marked by significant personnel changes, including mass firings and resignations that have substantially reduced the workforce. Critics have raised concerns that the agency is being weaponized to target individuals perceived as opponents of the administration. Blanche highlighted the department’s work on violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang and cartel violence during the Trump administration’s tenure.
Justice Connection, an organization of former department employees, responded to Blanche’s remarks by stating that his statements would only gain credibility if matched by corresponding actions. The group cited accounts that the department has removed employees who opposed decisions in significant cases or were viewed as insufficiently aligned with the administration’s priorities. The organization further asserted that thousands of additional departures have resulted from leadership’s violation of principles including prosecutorial decisions based solely on facts and law, holding accountable those who attack law enforcement, and respecting the judiciary.
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