Key facts
- President Trump intends to nominate Todd Blanche as Attorney General.
- Nomination paperwork is expected Thursday.
- Blanche previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney.
- Blanche has been acting Attorney General since April.
- The nomination requires Senate confirmation.
President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Todd Blanche for the permanent position of Attorney General, with the official paperwork anticipated on Thursday. This move would solidify Trump's influence over the Justice Department, as Blanche previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney and has been acting Attorney General since April. Blanche took over leadership of the Justice Department after Trump fired Pam Bondi amid tension over the agency's release of files related to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and frustration that the department was not moving forcefully enough against the White House's supposed political enemies. Blanche has faced backlash from Republican senators and some White House aides over the Justice Department's now-scuttled plan to create a $1.8 billion fund for victims of alleged government 'weaponization.' Blanche stated on Tuesday that the DOJ would not be moving forward with the plan, which sparked fierce bipartisan opposition and threatened to derail a $72 billion funding package for Trump's immigration crackdown. Trump said in an interview broadcast Wednesday that he was likely to nominate Blanche to the permanent position. Blanche has moved quickly as acting attorney general to ingratiate himself to Trump and his political movement, including removing press releases detailing cases from the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, releasing a report condemning past prosecutions of anti-abortion activists, and securing criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center and former FBI Director James Comey. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed uncertainty about whether lawmakers would vote to confirm Blanche, noting that while members are often deferential to presidential nominees, "nothing's a safe or a sure bet these days." Blanche told reporters he has a good relationship with the Senate on both sides and looks forward to working with senators. Trump stated his support for the 'weaponization' fund, calling it a "beautiful thing," but was unsure if it had been terminated or was on hold. Mike Davis, writing in an opinion piece, praised Blanche as an "outstanding choice" and the "right man, at the right time, for the right job," highlighting his career in public service and sacrifice, his clerkships for judges appointed by both Obama and Trump, and his service as a federal prosecutor. Davis argued that Blanche understands democratic accountability and has worked to bring reforms and accountability to the Justice Department, citing his actions such as removing January 6 case press releases and securing charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center and James Comey.