Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche – nominated by President Donald Trump to become the permanent head of the Department of Justice – faces a contentious confirmation battle after a two-month tenure marked by controversial policy decisions and internal political disputes. The nomination, announced by the White House on Monday, now requires Senate confirmation.
Background and Nomination
Todd Blanche has served as Acting Attorney General since April 2, 2025, when President Trump terminated former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Blanche previously served as Deputy Attorney General and, prior to joining the DOJ, was a personal defense lawyer for President Trump, leading his legal team in the New York hush money trial.
President Trump announced his intention to nominate Blanche during a private dinner at the White House on Wednesday. The formal nomination was sent to the Senate on Monday. In a podcast, Trump described Blanche as "a very talented guy." White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated the President is pleased with Blanche's work.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated it is "hard to say" whether Blanche can secure confirmation, noting that while members are typically deferential to presidential nominees, "nothing is a safe or sure bet." Key GOP senators, including Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, have expressed reservations.
Actions as Acting Attorney General
During his tenure, Blanche oversaw several significant actions:
Investigations and Indictments
The DOJ secured indictments against former FBI Director James Comey, escalated investigations into former CIA Director John Brennan, and launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll. Charges against Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were later dismissed due to invalid prosecutor appointments. A grand jury declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers. A federal magistrate judge criticized the DOJ for pursuing weak cases in the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, whose charges were dismissed.
The "Anti-Weaponization Fund"
Blanche authorized a nearly $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement resolving a lawsuit by President Trump against the IRS. The fund was intended to compensate individuals claiming political persecution by the previous administration.
The fund faced bipartisan opposition, with Senate Democrats calling it a "billion-dollar slush fund."
After a federal judge blocked implementation, and following pushback from Senate Republicans—including a meeting described by Sen. Ted Cruz as "one of the roughest meetings" in his Senate tenure—Blanche stated the DOJ would not move forward with the fund. The settlement also granted immunity from prosecution to Trump, his family members, and the Trump Organization regarding tax returns.
Press and Leaks
Blanche stated the DOJ would investigate leaks of classified information and would "send a subpoena to the reporter" if necessary. He affirmed that is "exactly what we should do, and that's exactly what we will be doing."
Other Policies
- Rolled back gun control measures.
- Appointed Joseph diGenova to oversee a Florida-based investigation into former law enforcement and intelligence officials.
- The department removed press releases about prosecutions of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack.
Statements and Positions
Blanche has stated that President Trump has a "right" and "duty" to direct the DOJ to investigate individuals, including political opponents.
He does not view the President's requests as "pressure" but as directives to investigate all cases to the fullest extent of the law. He has denied allegations of politicizing the department, stating he does not receive direction from the President on individual cases. He has said that executing the President's priorities to "make the country safe again" is his primary objective.
When asked about his interest in a full-time nomination, Blanche stated, "I love working for President Trump. It's the greatest honor of a lifetime." Regarding the departure of Pam Bondi, Blanche stated, "Nobody has any idea why the attorney general is no longer the attorney general and I'm the acting attorney general except for President Trump."
Senate Confirmation Outlook
The nomination faces an uncertain path in the Senate. Sen. Thom Tillis stated he would oppose Blanche if Blanche equivocates on condemning the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Sen. John Cornyn said he remains undecided and has questions for Blanche on the attorney general's role in advising the president. Blanche has indicated he will work with senators and meet with anyone who wants to meet with him.
Senate Majority Leader Thune noted that while members are generally deferential to presidential nominees, "this is an environment where nothing is a safe or sure bet."