President Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general, to the permanent position. The White House submitted the nomination to the Senate on Monday, where confirmation is required. Blanche previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney and as deputy attorney general.
“Trump nominates Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general”
Read at The Guardian →“Trump nominates Todd Blanche for attorney general amid controversy over DOJ fund”
Read at CNBC →No right-leaning sources covered this
Trump's nomination of his former defense attorney extends a pattern of installing loyalists at the DOJ, with Blanche's actions as acting AG aligning with concerns over political retribution.
“Risks to institutional independence and rule of law from personal allegiance”
The nomination rewards Blanche's record of redirecting the DOJ away from prior priorities, including charges against Comey and scrutiny of Brennan.
“Corrective action against perceived weaponization of federal power”
Blanche's elevation continues erosion of DOJ independence, with moves like the Anti-Weaponization Fund illustrating risks of selective enforcement.
“Threat to equal application of law and limits on executive power”
All perspectives accept lower-quality claims of retribution without verification and overlook Blanche's limited experience versus prior AGs.
“Shared premise ignores verification gaps and routine nature of the nomination after Bondi's firing”
Ratings by MBFC