Latest Todd Blanche News | Fox News

Hirono ripped for 'deranged' opening confirmation hearing question to Blanche: 'What a joke'

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:49:30 -0400

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, opened part of her questioning of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Wednesday by asking whether he had ever requested sexual favors or committed sexual harassment, reviving a confirmation hearing question that has repeatedly drawn mockery from conservatives.

"Low IQ @maziehirono begins her questioning of @DAGToddBlanche —an esteemed professional with an honorable record in public service—by asking, ‘Have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors?’ What a joke," the official White House Rapid Response account wrote on X.

Hirono used the same line of questioning during the confirmation hearing for Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum last year.

Hirono began introducing the questions in 2018, inspired by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement.

TRUMP'S AG NOMINEE RACKS UP MASSIVE SUPPORT AHEAD OF CONFIRMATION HEARING: 'REAL RESULTS'

"Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature," Hirono asked.

"No, senator," Blanche responded.

"Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct?" she followed up.

MIKE DAVIS: WHY SENATE MUST IGNORE OBAMA JUDGE'S ATTACK ON AG NOMINEE TODD BLANCHE

"No, senator," Blanche responded.

Social media users swiftly mocked Hirono’s opening line of questions.

"Raise your hand if you're tired of @maziehirono's favorite Senate Judiciary line of questioning," the Republican National Lawyers Association posted on X.

"The White House is RIPPING deranged Sen. Mazie Hirono (D) for demanding AG Todd Blanche answer, 'have you ever made unwanted requests for s*xual favors’ BLANCHE: ‘...no, senator..,’" Right Line News Chief Content Officer Eric Daugherty wrote on X.

"WTF? What a stupid thing to ask out of nowhere," Daugherty added.

"She does it to EVERYONE, SHEIS ABSOLUTELY NUTS," one user added.

DEMOCRAT POLITICOS RERUN UNDERHANDED LEFTIST PLAYBOOK IN EFFORT TO TORPEDO TRUMP’S AG NOMINEE

Hirono wrote in 2018 that she is "asking nominees to our courts, under oath, whether or not they have a history of sexual assault or harassment."

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"Like in other industries, our judges are in positions of power & #TimesUp," she posted on X at the time.

She first used the line of questioning during the confirmation hearing for judicial nominee Kurt Engelhardt during the first Trump administration.

Jack Smith thrust back into spotlight at Blanche hearing over exposed senators’ messages

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:56:10 -0400

Former special counsel Jack Smith was thrust back into the spotlight Wednesday during acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing when Sen. John Kennedy pressed the Justice Department over newly revealed allegations related to the Biden-era special counsel's review of lawmakers' text messages.

"Would you check for me first if [Smith] read my emails and … No. 2, how he got them. And No. 3 … what emails did he get of Senator Grassley and, I mean … what were they limited to, if at all," Kennedy asked, referring to Smith’s prior investigation into President Donald Trump that allegedly swept up text messages from 44 members of Congress.

"Did he get emails from Senator Grassley talking about his corn harvest and all that? And who did he share them with? Do you know if Mr. Smith shared my emails with Attorney General Garland."

BIDEN SPECIAL COUNSEL’S 'RUNAWAY TRAIN’ SCOOPED UP SENSITIVE LAWMAKER INFO: 'ABUSE OF POWER'

Kennedy was referring to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who announced Tuesday that records provided to the committee showed Smith’s team obtained and reviewed text messages involving 44 current and former lawmakers as part of the Trump election probe. Kennedy was not among the list of 44 lawmakers released by Grassley's office.

Operation Arctic Frost, the Biden-era FBI probe that Grassley says formed the basis of Smith’s election case against Trump, initially examined the alleged scheme following the 2020 election. Grassley and other Republicans have been investigating whether the probe reflected improper weaponization of federal law enforcement against Trump and his allies.

Blanche confirmed to Kennedy that the DOJ is investigating.

TRUMP'S AG NOMINEE RACKS UP MASSIVE SUPPORT AHEAD OF CONFIRMATION HEARING: 'REAL RESULTS'

Kennedy asked Blanche how DOJ officials could get ahold of messages without probable cause.

"There are checks in place that should make it extraordinarily difficult for a prosecutor to collect and review a senator's emails or a congressman's emails or a lawyer's emails or other folks that have privileged protections associated with their communications," said Blanche. "Those checks and balances should always be used."

Grassley’s office said in a press release that Smith’s investigative team bypassed an internal filter review process meant to keep privileged materials from being swept into a criminal prosecution.

"Bypassing a Filter Team evades consideration of additional privileges, such as attorney-client privilege," the release said.

The records were provided by the Trump Justice Department in a full-scale probe of Operation Arctic Frost.

Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri also addressed critics, claiming Trump’s DOJ is the "most troubled" Justice Department in history, pointing to weaponization of Biden DOJ's investigation.

DEMOCRAT POLITICOS RERUN UNDERHANDED LEFTIST PLAYBOOK IN EFFORT TO TORPEDO TRUMP’S AG NOMINEE

"We lived through Jack Smith, and the chairman has just revealed new revelations, of course, that he was reading text messages," said Schmitt. "By the way, Jack Smith testified under oath he didn't do that. He testified that they just had the phone logs. We know that's not true.

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"Now, Jack Smith should be subject to prosecution for lying to Congress. So, this weaponization, let's draw a distinction. When you go after your political opponents, that is a weaponization."

Todd Blanche says 'no closed investigations' in Epstein case, vows DOJ will pursue new suspects

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:49:37 -0400

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche pushed back Wednesday against claims that the Justice Department has closed the book on Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, insisting prosecutors remain prepared to pursue anyone who can be criminally linked to the late financier's sex-trafficking operation if new evidence emerges.

"There are no closed investigations," he said. "If we learn today, if we learn next week, if we learn next month that there's an individual that we can investigate, indict and prosecute out of the Epstein files, you better believe it, we will."

Blanche's comments came during his Senate confirmation hearing amid continued scrutiny of the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files.

The Justice Department, then led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the FBI concluded a review in July 2025 that found no evidence of a so-called "client list" belonging to Epstein and no basis for further public disclosures. The findings sparked renewed calls — including from some of President Donald Trump's supporters — for the full release of the remaining Epstein files, a process Blanche later oversaw and defended amid mounting criticism.

TRUMP'S AG NOMINEE RACKS UP MASSIVE SUPPORT AHEAD OF CONFIRMATION HEARING: 'REAL RESULTS'

Blanche drew a distinction between the department's completed review of the existing Epstein files and its authority to pursue new criminal cases. While the prosecutions of Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019, and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell have concluded, Blanche said the Justice Department remains willing to investigate and prosecute any additional individuals if credible evidence warrants it.

He also rejected suggestions that the department has neglected Epstein's victims, saying DOJ officials have met with representatives of more than 30 victims since the review began and would continue speaking with anyone who comes forward.

MELANIA TRUMP’S EPSTEIN REMARKS TURN UP THE HEAT ON DOJ, ACTING AG TODD BLANCHE TO DO MORE

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"We will never not talk to victims," Blanche said. "We will never not do everything we can to prosecute anybody that committed any crimes against any of these women."

He encouraged any victims or their attorneys with additional information to contact the FBI, reiterating that the department would "100%" investigate any new evidence that could support criminal charges.

Later in the hearing, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., pressed Blanche to apologize directly to Epstein's victims for the Justice Department's handling of the file release after roughly 1% of released documents required corrected redactions.

"Any mistake that we made should not have been made," Blanche said. "Yes, I am sorry that in about 1% of the documents mistakes were made."

He added that DOJ immediately pulled affected documents, corrected the errors and dedicated around-the-clock attorneys to issue redactions.

Blumenthal also urged Blanche to personally meet with Epstein survivors. Blanche responded that he had "never said I can't meet with them," adding that if victims are represented by counsel, meetings would be coordinated through their attorneys.

"Of course, I can meet with them," Blanche said. "I'm the acting attorney general of the United States."

The Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files was also top of mind for Republican senators as Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., asked Blanche whether additional people identified in the Epstein files could face charges.

Blanche said prosecutors reviewing the evidence had not identified evidence that other men participated in Epstein's trafficking operation, while stressing that "that does not mean it didn't happen."

"If there's anybody out there, victim or otherwise, that has information, I beg them to come forward," Blanche said.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., also questioned Blanche about his interview with Ghislaine Maxwell in July 2025, asking whether it had led to any additional criminal charges. Blanche replied that it had not.

Blanche declined to say whether the interview led to any new investigations, saying the Justice Department does not comment on the existence of investigations.

Booker further pressed Blanche about his interview with Maxwell, asking whether he or anyone else at DOJ had discussed the possibility of a presidential pardon, clemency or Maxwell's later transfer to a minimum-security prison camp. Blanche denied that any of those topics were discussed with Maxwell or her attorneys.

Acting AG Todd Blanche says Newsom's DOJ claims are not 'grounded in fact'

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 02:45:36 -0400

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday rejected California Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that the Justice Department is politically targeting him, saying the governor's assertions are not "grounded in fact."

Blanche responded to comments made by Newsom, who said last month that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, under orders from President Donald Trump.

While Blanche declined to comment on any ongoing investigations, he dismissed the governor's claims.

GAVIN NEWSOM CLAIMS TRUMP ORDERED DOJ PROBE TARGETING HIM AND HIS WIFE

"The only thing I'll say about what he chose to do and what he chose to say is, I'm not sure his words are in any way grounded in fact," Blanche said during a news conference.

"He'd have to address that," Blanche added.

Newsom claimed June 15 that Trump had directed the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife in an effort to undermine a potential White House campaign.

The California governor has described the investigation as a politically motivated "fishing expedition" by Trump's DOJ, saying he and his wife have "nothing to hide." Newsom has also argued the inquiry is aimed at him because he is considering a presidential run, saying, "To get me, he's coming after my wife."

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEWSOM-LINKED CHARITIES REPORTEDLY CAUGHT IN DOJ’S SIGHTS

"Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean Tweets. He’s coming after me because I am considering running for President," Newsom said. "Because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out – over and over again – for his lies and deceit. Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt President in American history."

Blanche also rejected Newsom's broader characterization of the situation.

"He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him," Blanche said. "It doesn't make it true."

NEWSOM UNDER FIRE AS CALIFORNIA GAS TAX HIKE SENDS PUMP PRICES EVEN HIGHER

Sources previously told Fox News the investigation has been ongoing since 2025 and is based on whistleblower complaints related to Newsom and his wife's personal finances. The matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento.

Federal sources confirmed to Fox News there are investigations involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom, but Fox News has not learned of any federal investigation directly targeting Gov. Newsom himself.

The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed any investigation involving Newsom or his wife.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom is a documentary filmmaker who runs The Representation Project, a nonprofit organization that seeks to advance feminism through media production. Fox News Digital previously reported the charity has faced "pay-for-play" allegations, with critics claiming corporations with business interests in California donated to the organization in an effort to gain influence with Newsom.

"There are clearly no boundaries to what Donald Trump will do to get his way or to challenge those who get in his way. This is not presidential behavior, and the Governor and I will continue to speak truth to power because the American people deserve so much more," Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a previous statement to Fox News.

Following Blanche's remarks Wednesday, the governor's office posted a meme on social media with the caption, "Why you always lyin."

The governor's press office also wrote, "Trump goons know that it’s not a crime to lie to a reporter."

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom's office for additional comment.

Fox News Digital's Bonny Chu and Robert Schmad contributed to this report.

Bill Barr says Todd Blanche isn't 'a toady,' urges senate to confirm Trump's AG pick

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 11:40:31 -0400

Former Attorney General Bill Barr is calling on Senate Republicans to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, arguing the former Trump defense lawyer's close relationship with the president should be viewed as a strength, not a conflict of interest.

In a Wall Street Journal opinion column, Barr, who served as attorney general during the first Trump administration, said Blanche should be confirmed, calling him well qualified and saying he "will run the department as effectively as anyone could under President Trump, providing much-needed leadership and stability."

Barr's appeal comes as Blanche faces a potentially difficult confirmation process in the Senate. Republicans hold a 53-seat majority, but several GOP senators have not committed to supporting the nomination.

A large part of Barr's argument centered on countering criticism that Blanche's past as President Donald Trump's personal defense attorney makes him too conflicted to lead the Justice Department.

ACTING AG TODD BLANCHE BELIEVES TRUMP 'ABSOLUTELY' FACED PRISON WITHOUT 2024 ELECTION WIN

"Critics say that Mr. Blanche, having served as the president's personal defense lawyer, won't confront the president with hard truths. Exactly the opposite is true," Barr wrote.

"A successful criminal-defense lawyer like Mr. Blanche isn't a toady who sugarcoats the truth to his client," Barr continued. "The job demands regularly confronting strong-willed clients with harsh reality. This necessarily involves clashes, but the lawyer's dogged willingness to anchor his client to reality is what builds trust and makes the relationship effective."

Barr wrote that Blanche's established relationship with Trump should be viewed as an advantage rather than a liability.

TODD BLANCHE 'HONORED AND HUMBLED' BY TRUMP'S AG NOMINATION AFTER EXPLOSIVE WEEK OF FEDERAL ARRESTS

"The president takes hard advice best from those whom he recognizes have his best interests at heart," Barr wrote. "Having helped the president through the crucible of his legal battles, Mr. Blanche is likely in the best position of anyone in the country to deliver strong counsel to the president and have him accept it. Senators should view a trusting relationship as a positive, not a negative."

Barr further dismissed claims that Blanche would simply carry out Trump's wishes without independent judgment.

"The left has portrayed Mr. Blanche as a man who will docilely carry out the president's desires," Barr wrote. "But Mr. Blanche doesn't shy away from giving the president straight-from-the-shoulder advice and, where warranted, pushing back on bad ideas. He doesn't always prevail, but, frankly, no one has a better chance of getting through to Mr. Trump."

TRUMP'S DOJ PICK IN TROUBLE AS GOP CONCERNS THREATEN CONFIRMATION

Since stepping into the role as acting attorney general after Pam Bondi's departure, Blanche has been heavily scrutinized for leading prosecutions against some of Trump's biggest foes, including the newest indictment against former FBI Director James Comey. He's also faced pushback over the Justice Department's aborted effort to create an Anti-Weaponization Fund.

The controversies have contributed to uncertainty over Blanche's confirmation, with several Republican senators publicly acknowledging reservations about his nomination.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has said he remains undecided and has tied his support in part to concerns over the scuttled fund.

TILLIS PUTS ONUS ON TRUMP TO AVOID BOASBERG PICKING US ATTORNEY AFTER MARTIN'S NOMINATION APPEARS SUNK

"It'll be an issue if the weaponization fund isn't effectively dead by the confirmation hearing," Tillis said.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, another Judiciary Committee member, has likewise withheld his support, saying he wants additional information before making a decision.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Cornyn said he plans to wait until after receiving a full briefing and hearing Blanche's testimony before deciding whether to support the nomination.

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Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Blanche's nomination are scheduled for mid-July as Republicans weigh whether to advance Trump's nominee to the full Senate.

Barr served as attorney general under both President George H.W. Bush and President Trump. While he was a key figure in Trump's administration and defended many of the president's policies, he later became one of Trump's most prominent critics over his claims of widespread voter fraud following the 2020 election.

Todd Blanche earns attorney general bid endorsement from law enforcement alliance ahead of confirmation

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:21:38 -0400

EXCLUSIVE — President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general has earned the endorsement of a sprawling sheriff's association in what is expected to be a contentious confirmation process.

The Western States Sheriffs' Association sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., along with high-ranking Senate Judiciary Committee members expressing their support for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's permanent confirmation to the position.

The organization represents sheriffs and their command staff from 19 states in the West, from Missouri to Washington state.

"We believe Mr. Blanche possesses the experience, integrity, and commitment necessary to lead the Department of Justice effectively during this important time," the letter says.

"His background as a seasoned prosecutor, his demonstrated leadership as Acting Attorney General, and his focus on upholding the rule of law, supporting law enforcement, and prioritizing public safety align closely with the values and operational needs of America’s Sheriffs."

TODD BLANCHE 'HONORED AND HUMBLED' BY TRUMP'S AG NOMINATION AFTER EXPLOSIVE WEEK OF FEDERAL ARRESTS

The letter notes that western sheriffs face "unique challenges," particularly with border security concerns and policing vast rural areas — and they believe Blanche will help address those issues.

"As an organization dedicated to assisting Sheriffs with federal and state legislative issues, addressing policy matters, and promoting the strength and effectiveness of local law enforcement, we have long recognized the critical partnership between federal leadership at the Department of Justice and the frontline work performed by Sheriffs across The West," the endorsement states.

The group said it is encouraged by Blanche's understanding of the role that local and state officials play in federal law enforcement operations, and his willingness to work with those local and state officials to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and other community threats.

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"WSSA members stand ready to partner with Attorney General Blanche to advance policies that empower Sheriffs, enhance officer safety and wellness, secure our borders, and ensure that federal resources are directed toward the real-world problems facing our counties and states," the letter says.

It concludes with a call to action for Congress, urging the Senate to quickly confirm Blanche as U.S. attorney general.

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Blanche's nomination was formally sent to the Senate on June 8 after he was installed as acting AG following former Attorney General Pam Bondi's bombshell ouster in April.

Republicans are reportedly targeting late summer for a full Senate confirmation vote.

Todd Blanche 'honored and humbled' by Trump's AG nomination after explosive week of federal arrests

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:10:54 -0400

Following a wave of high-profile arrests, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he is "honored and humbled" by President Donald Trump’s decision to nominate him as the permanent head of the Department of Justice.

Speaking on "Saturday in America," Blanche outlined the department's efforts to fulfill Trump's campaign promises on public safety and highlighted several recent DOJ arrests.

"Look, executing on the president's priorities that he has talked about since he was running for president, and that's making this country safe again. And, so, we're doing that every day at the Department of Justice," Blanche said. "I'm honored and humbled that President Trump has asked me to become the permanent attorney general."

On Wednesday, Trump announced plans to nominate Blanche to permanently lead the DOJ after the departure of former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles subsequently congratulated Blanche online, writing, "Todd is a friend and I look forward to continuing our work together."

TRUMP SAYS HE WILL NOMINATE ACTING AG TODD BLANCHE TO PERMANENTLY LEAD JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Blanche took over the acting role in April after the departure of former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who faced criticism from some conservatives over her handling of the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The news comes as Blanche and the DOJ announced a series of arrests. Among them was the dismantling of a drug-smuggling tunnel stretching from Mexico to California, which Blanche described as "very sophisticated" and equipped with a rail system and electricity.

"Now that the borders are closed, they have to find other ways to get drugs in this country. And this was one way they were trying to do it," Blanche said.

JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS TRUMP DOJ'S NEARLY $2B 'ANTI-WEAPONIZATION' FUND

Blanche also highlighted the recent indictments of three individuals accused of providing support to ISIS, describing their anti-American rhetoric as "very disturbing" while praising the swift work of federal authorities.

TODD BLANCHE REVEALS DOJ UNEARTHED CACHE OF JACK SMITH DOCUMENTS INSIDE FORGOTTEN ROOM

"It’s a good reminder to the Americans that this fight is not over. There are still a lot of people that want to inject harm into this country and our citizens," he said.

Blanche previously served as Trump’s lead criminal defense attorney during multiple cases involving the president, including the New York hush money case and cases brought by former special counsel Jack Smith.

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Earlier this week, Blanche announced the DOJ would not be moving forward with a nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. According to the DOJ, the fund was part of a settlement in President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service after Trump, his family members and the Trump Organization agreed to forgo monetary damages stemming from the release of their tax returns.

The fund faced legal challenges, and the DOJ announced Monday it would comply with a court ruling temporarily blocking the fund. At a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing Tuesday, Blanche confirmed the administration would not be pursuing the idea further, saying, "We're not moving forward with the fund, period."

MIKE DAVIS: Why Todd Blanche is the man for this moment

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:26:24 -0400

President Trump has just announced his intention to nominate Todd Blanche to serve as the next attorney general of the United States. Blanche is an outstanding choice by President Trump. A former federal prosecutor and big-law partner, he put everything on the line to defend Trump against politicized, weaponized, unlawful, and bogus prosecutions–political persecutions–by many Democrat prosecutors and judges, in many Democrat hellholes across America.

Since March 2025, Blanche has served as Trump’s deputy attorney general – the Trump Justice Department’s No. 2 and chief operating officer. And for the last several months, Blanche has served as the acting attorney general. In other words, Blanche has spent the last 15 months bringing much-needed reforms and accountability at the Justice Department. But much more must get accomplished to restore public confidence in our justice systems. Blanche is uniquely qualified to finish the job. He’s the right man, at the right time, for the right job.

Blanche's career is defined by public service and sacrifice – not partisanship. Out of law school, he clerked for then-U.S. District Judge Denny Chin of the Southern District of New York. Chin then received an appointment from President Obama to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Blanche later clerked for then-U.S. District Judge Joseph Bianco of the Southern District of New York. Bianco went on to receive an appointment to the Second Circuit from President Trump, where he continues to serve with distinction. Blanche's service to two well-regarded judges at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum illustrates that he is not a hack but rather one trusted to apply the law fairly.

Blanche continued his distinguished public service as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. He understands, like his former mentee and now-Third Circuit Judge Emil Bove, that every federal prosecutor in America reports to the deputy attorney general, who reports to the attorney general, who reports to the president, who is elected by all Americans. This is how we have democratic accountability–and not a deep state.

TOP WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS ENCOURAGED POTENTIAL BONDI REPLACEMENT TO MAKE CASE TO TRUMP FOR AG JOB: SOURCES

While in the Southern District, Blanche co-led the violent crimes unit and the White Plains, New York division during nearly a decade of sterling service. While Blanche does not bash the police like government lawyers in prior leftist administrations, he has not hesitated to hold corrupt officers accountable when they betray the public's sacred trust. For instance, he secured a robbery conviction against former NYPD Officer Miguel Burgos.

After his service in the Southern District of New York ended, Blanche became a partner at a prestigious New York law firm. He had decades of substantial earnings ahead of him. Partners at these New York law firms rake in millions each year. But Blanche sacrificed it all because he saw a grave injustice he was uniquely equipped to combat.

Trump has been the victim of an unprecedented Democrat lawfare campaign that has done incalculable damage to the Republic. Democrat government officials at both the state and federal levels targeted him mercilessly, attempting to throw him off several state ballots, bankrupt him several times, and imprison him for life–four times. Those legal affronts prompted Blanche to step up and defend Trump, including against 91 counts stemming from four indictments brought by three Democrat prosecutors: Biden Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who brought bogus charges in the District of Columbia and Florida; Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis; and the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

ACTING AG TODD BLANCHE BELIEVES TRUMP 'ABSOLUTELY' FACED PRISON WITHOUT 2024 ELECTION WIN

Even though Trump was as prominent a client as any in American history, many lawyers shied away from defending him. After all, leftists had undertaken an effort, known as the 65 Project, to disbar Trump's prior lawyers. Blanche, however, was undaunted, refusing to cower in the face of the threat to his career that representing Trump posed.

Thanks to Blanche and other accomplished attorneys, like now-U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer and now-Judge Bove, Trump mounted vigorous defenses against the four indictments. No doubt, save for the excellent U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon in the Southern District of Florida, Democrat judges in the Democrat jurisdictions where Trump faced charges yearned to send him to prison for the rest of his life. Despite the conviction in the New York case, an absurdity that appellate review should reverse, Trump avoided that horrible fate and instead conducted a winning presidential campaign that earned him a clear electoral mandate. Had he not had lawyers of Blanche's caliber, the outcome could have been different for the president and the nation.

Blanche has continued his exceptional service in the Justice Department, first as deputy attorney general and then as acting attorney general beginning this April. He’s fired bad actors, hired good ones, closed bad cases and opened good ones.

BLANCHE TORCHES TRUMP FOE BOASBERG AFTER APPEALS COURT BLOCKS JUDGE AGAIN IN DEPORTATION FIGHT

A recent example illustrates the quality of Blanche's leadership. Blanche spearheaded an indictment of the leftist Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a vile organization that has fomented racial division for decades. The SPLC allegedly paid money to racists to stir up strife including, for example, the Ku Klux Klan. The SPLC allegedly scammed its donors, pretending to combat racism while funding it, as Blanche detailed in announcing the indictment.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder famously described himself as Obama's "wingman." Former Attorney General Merrick Garland dutifully complied when President Biden complained through an April 2022 New York Times article that Trump and his supporters were not being prosecuted fast enough. Garland authorized the Mar-a-Lago raid a few months later and illegally appointed special counsel Smith a few months after that. By 2023, Trump faced a barrage of indictments.

Democrats' supposed fears about Blanche's lack of independence ring hollow in light of their deafening silence during the repugnant tenures of Holder and Garland. Republicans should not fall for any of the spurious attacks that are sure to come Blanche's way. Instead, they should stand strong, just as they did in confirming Bove. Blanche will make an exceptional attorney general of the United States, and the Senate must plow through Democrat obstruction and confirm him immediately.

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Blanche is a bold and fearless warrior for the Constitution. He put everything on the line to defend Trump against — and beat — the Democrats’ unprecedented, republic-ending lawfare. Blanche is now bringing much-needed and overdue accountability in the Trump Justice Department. As a former federal prosecutor, former defense attorney, and current acting attorney general, Todd Blanche is uniquely qualified to serve as President Trump’s next attorney general. The Article III Project strongly supports Trump’s nomination of Blanche, and we will fight like hell for his Senate confirmation.

Todd Blanche is the man for this moment.

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Trump says he will nominate acting AG Todd Blanche to permanently lead Justice Department

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:17:49 -0400

President Donald Trump said Wednesday evening that he plans to nominate acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Department of Justice.

In a video posted to social media by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Trump can be seen announcing that he will nominate Blanche for the position after he assumed the role on an interim basis following former Attorney General Pam Bondi's firing in early April.

"Tomorrow I'm instructing Dan [Scavino] and everybody else that's involved in that very complicated process, which is gonna go, I think, very quickly, that we are going to make him permanent Attorney General," Trump said in the video, which was recorded during a Rose Garden Club Dinner on Wednesday evening at the White House.

ACTING AG TODD BLANCHE BELIEVES TRUMP 'ABSOLUTELY' FACED PRISON WITHOUT 2024 ELECTION WIN

Trump's comments came after he signaled during an interview on the Pod Force One podcast, released Wednesday, that Blanche was likely to receive the nomination.

When host Miranda Devine asked whether Blanche would become attorney general, Trump replied: "I think he will."

Trump also said he was not actively considering other candidates and praised Blanche's performance since taking over the role.

ACTING AG BLANCHE REVEALS FATE OF TRUMP'S 'ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND' UNDER PRESSURE FROM HOUSE LAWMAKERS

"I wanted to see how he's received," Trump said. "You know, we put him as acting, and he's done a very good job, but I've known him a long time."

CNN was first to report Wednesday evening that Trump was expected to move forward with nominating Blanche.

When reached for comment, the White House praised Blanche but stopped short of formally confirming the nomination.

SOUTH CAROLINA ASSISTED LIVING MANAGER FIRED AFTER MOCKING PAM BONDI'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN VIRAL VIDEO

"President Trump has a great relationship with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and is very pleased with the job he’s doing so far," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Todd Blanche is an American patriot who fearlessly fought against the Democrats’ unprecedented lawfare campaign on behalf of President Trump," Jackson added. "The President’s entire team at the Department of Justice is doing a great job advocating for sanity, law and order, and policies that keep Americans safe."

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If nominated, Blanche would need to be confirmed by the Senate.

He was confirmed as the Justice Department's second-in-command in 2025 by a party-line vote of 52-46.

Todd Blanche exposes how aggressive Biden DOJ targeted low-level Mar-a-Lago employees

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:55:11 -0400

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Biden-era Department of Justice’s investigation into President Donald Trump was so expansive that even Mar-a-Lago staffers, including gardeners and low-level aides, had to retain criminal defense attorneys.

Speaking on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast, Blanche explained the scope of the probe and framed it as evidence of a "weaponized" justice system.

"Virtually anybody associated with President Trump had to get a criminal defense attorney," Blanche said.

"I'm talking about his gardeners at Mar-a-Lago, talking about his Secret Service detail. His Secret Service detail has to go testify in front of the grand jury," he said. "His assistants, his low-level aides, his senior leadership, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — everybody has to go and get criminal defense attorneys," he added.

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Blanche previously served as Trump’s lead criminal defense attorney during multiple cases involving the president, including the New York hush money case and legal cases brought by former special counsel Jack Smith.

When directly asked by Hannity whether he believed the Biden-era DOJ weaponized its power, Blanche responded that it was "weaponized in the worst way." He added that’s why there are so many criminal defense attorneys who got roles in the current administration.

"If you look around the room now in the Oval Office, there's a bunch of us, a bunch of criminal defense attorneys. That's because we all had to get involved in the administration because of how weaponized it was," Blanche said.

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"We're not talking about targeting one person. ‘Oh, the secretary of defense under President Trump one, we have to look at him.’ No, no, no. If you were a Cabinet secretary, you had to hire a criminal defense attorney because Biden was coming after you," he added.

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His comments come as the DOJ announced it will not move forward with the nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. According to the DOJ, the fund was part of a settlement in President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service after Trump, his family members and the Trump Organization agreed to forgo monetary damages stemming from the release of their tax returns.

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US Interim Attorney General Todd Blanche calls speculation surrounding Bondi's firing 'simply not true'

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:02:43 -0400

U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed Pam Bondi’s firing by President Donald Trump after reports indicated the president had grown dissatisfied with her performance at the Justice Department.

Blanche denied reports that Trump’s decision to remove Bondi stemmed from frustration over her handling of the Epstein files.

"I have never heard President Trump say that the attorney general was — that anything that happened to her — had anything to do with the Epstein files," he told "Jesse Watters Primetime" on Thursday.

Bondi’s ousting marked Trump’s second Cabinet shakeup in just one month after he fired and reassigned DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5.

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Blanche also dismissed a Daily Mail report that Trump believed Bondi tipped off Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., about the FBI’s plan to release files on Christine Fang, a Chinese spy he was formerly associated with.

"I would not believe that for a second — absolutely, positively not," he told Fox News host Jesse Watters.

The New York Times reported that Trump was unhappy with her handling of the Epstein files.

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Blanche denied that report, saying that he and Bondi handled the assignment and that the Epstein files should not be a focus for the Justice Department moving forward.

"What happened when the president signed the Transparency Act is the Department of Justice has now released all the files with respect to the Epstein saga… Attorney General Bondi and I appeared in front of Congress voluntarily a couple weeks ago to answer any questions they had," he told Fox News. "We have made every single congressman, senator available to come and see any document redacted, unredacted."

"I think that to the extent that the Epstein files was a part of the past year of this Justice Department, it should not be a part of anything going forward," he added.

Trump confirmed Bondi’s ousting in a Truth Social post Thursday, writing that she was a "Great American Patriot" and "loyal friend" and saying that she will transition to a role in the private sector.

Blanche also praised the former attorney general for her service to the DOJ.

"We are a better Justice Department, we are safer as a nation, and we should all be very grateful to the attorney general for her sacrifice for this country and for what she did," he said on "Jesse Watters Primetime."

Trump called Blanche a "respected Legal Mind" when announcing on Truth Social that he will intermittently step into Bondi’s role until a permanent replacement is found.

TOP DOJ OFFICIALS TO BRIEF HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE FOR JEFFREY EPSTEIN PROBE

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Blanche told Fox News he is honored to serve.

"The Department of Justice is working hard every day," he said. "It was working hard yesterday, and we're going to keep on working hard tomorrow, and I'm honored that President Trump has asked me to step in as acting [attorney general], and also much appreciative for what Pam Bondi did for the past year."

Environmental Protection Agency Director Lee Zeldin is reportedly being considered to replace Bondi, with a source familiar with the matter telling Fox News Digital previously that discussions about the transition took place during a Tuesday White House meeting.