Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche sworn in as attorney general

Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche sworn in as attorney general Blanche is officially taking over the agency he has led in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi was fired in April - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Todd Blanche, who previously served as personal legal counsel to President Donald Trump, was sworn in on Monday as attorney general following a contentious Senate confirmation fight that highlighted bipartisan concerns over the direction of the Justice Department under the Republican president. The oath of office was administered at the White House by federal appeals court judge Emil Bove, another former Trump lawyer, after a narrow Senate confirmation vote early Saturday. Shortly afterward, the newly sworn-in attorney general arrived at Justice Department headquarters to cheers from employees gathered along the entrance. A former federal prosecutor in New York, Blanche officially takes command of a law enforcement agency he has led in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi was fired in April. With the confirmation fight behind him, Blanche must now navigate the demands of a president who has made no secret of his desire to use federal law enforcement to target political opponents. He assumes control over an agency hollowed out by resignations, firings, and voluntary departures, while also confronting growing pushback from the courts. Blanche secured confirmation in a 50-49 vote, with two Republicans voting against him after citing concerns regarding what they described as the increased politicization of the department under Trump. As deputy attorney general and later acting attorney general, Blanche directed investigations into numerous Trump opponents, including former FBI Director James Comey, whom the Justice Department indicted in April for a second time since Trump returned to the White House last year. Blanche has firmly defended the Trump administration against accusations of weaponizing the Justice Department. He has stated that he feels no pressure to placate Trump and insists he sees no issue with the president's interest in department matters, describing it as the president's "right" and "his duty." Blanche entered Trump's orbit in 2023 when he left his law firm to represent him across multiple criminal cases, including two brought by the Justice Department under Democratic President Joe Biden. Blanche maintained that the experience provided him with a firsthand look at what he contends was the weaponization of the criminal justice system against Trump. Supporters of Blanche contend that the close relationship he established with Trump while serving as his defense attorney could enable him to push back against presidential demands more effectively than Bondi did. Blanche's nomination was nearly derailed over bipartisan concerns regarding Trump's controversial settlement of his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The nomination only advanced after Blanche confirmed in writing, following pressure from Republicans, that the administration was abandoning plans for a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate Trump allies who believe they were wronged by the department. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] DEPARTMENTOF JUSTICE WASHINGTON