Attorney General Todd Blanche sat for an interview with The Associated Press this week in Puerto Rico, where he addressed mounting criticism about his leadership of the Justice Department and his ability to maintain the institution’s independence from the White House.
Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and Trump’s onetime personal attorney, secured Senate confirmation this month despite opposition from two Republican senators. His path to the position was complicated by concerns from lawmakers across the political spectrum regarding actions taken while serving as acting attorney general, including approval of a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies believed to be victims of political prosecution and a deal granting Trump and his sons immunity from tax audits. When asked about ethical boundaries regarding White House requests, Blanche stated his commitment to the rule of law has not changed since his graduation and that he would not engage in unethical conduct regardless of circumstances.
Blanche’s tenure comes as the Justice Department faces questions about whether it remains independent from presidential influence. He has disputed the notion that attorneys general operate independently from the president, arguing that the executive has both the power and right to direct law enforcement. This position contrasts with historical traditions of Justice Department autonomy designed to protect politically sensitive investigations. Blanche characterized past claims of departmental independence as inaccurate, citing his experience as a federal prosecutor and the Biden administration. However, critics note that the Biden Justice Department investigated President Biden himself regarding classified documents and pursued criminal charges against his son Hunter before a pardon was issued.
Blanche inherits an agency dealing with an exodus of experienced lawyers and eroded trust in the judicial system. Recent cases have drawn judicial criticism, with courts accusing government lawyers of withholding information and dismissing cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after finding prosecutorial irregularities. His predecessors, including immediate predecessor Pam Bondi, faced pressure when unable to deliver successful prosecutions against the president’s perceived political opponents. Blanche has highlighted the administration’s focus on illegal immigration, violent crime and drug trafficking, announcing gang takedowns during his Puerto Rico visit, though observers question whether these policy priorities can offset scrutiny of politically charged investigations.
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