On June 8, 2026, President Trump nominated Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general, formalizing his role after serving as acting attorney general since April. Blanche previously held the position of deputy attorney general, overseeing the Justice Department's criminal and national security work.
The White House submitted Blanche's nomination to the Senate on Monday. President Trump indicated his intention to nominate Blanche during a recent dinner in the Rose Garden, as shared by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino on social media.
Blanche's confirmation may face challenges, particularly from some GOP senators who are set to leave Congress in January. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed uncertainty about his support, stating that Blanche's condemnation of the January 6 Capitol riot would be crucial for his backing.
Recently, Blanche and the Justice Department encountered bipartisan criticism for proposing a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund" intended to compensate individuals claiming government persecution. Democrats labeled it a "slush fund" for Trump supporters, while some Republicans expressed concerns about potential claims from convicted January 6 rioters. Following a court ruling blocking the fund's implementation, Blanche informed lawmakers that the department would not proceed with it.
During his time as acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen several controversial investigations, including indictments against political opponents of Trump, which have faced scrutiny from legal experts. Critics, including Maya Wiley, president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, have accused Blanche of transforming the Justice Department into a tool for political interests rather than maintaining its neutrality.
Blanche has denied these allegations, asserting that Trump does not direct prosecutions against his adversaries. He emphasized the Justice Department's focus on prosecuting violent crime and other offenses, claiming significant progress in reducing violent crime rates. He stated that his primary goal as attorney general would be to execute the president's priorities for national safety.
Blanche's legal career includes work as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and positions at prominent law firms before joining Trump's legal team in 2023.
