Trump nominates his ex-lawyer Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general
Acting in the role since April, Blanche faces Senate confirmation after controversial DoJ moves
TL;DR
- Donald Trump nominated Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer, for permanent Attorney General.
- Blanche has served as acting Attorney General since April.
- His nomination requires Senate confirmation, with Republicans holding the majority.
- Democrats have criticized Blanche's past representation of Trump in various legal cases and his handling of certain DOJ matters.
- Blanche has stated his focus is on "making America safe again" and addressing the "weaponization" of the justice department.
- Some Republicans, like Chuck Grassley, have called Blanche "well-qualified."
- Controversial actions under Blanche's interim leadership include charges against James Comey and actions related to the January 6th Capitol attack investigations.
- Democrats, including Adam Schiff and Chris Van Hollen, have argued Blanche cannot separate his role as Trump's lawyer from his duties as acting AG.
- A controversial $1.8bn fund to compensate Trump allies was announced under Blanche but was later axed.
- Even some Republicans, like Brian Fitzpatrick, opposed the proposed fund.