Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Todd Blanche refuses to pledge Justice Department independence from Trump
In the United States, the attorney general is the top government lawyer who makes sure the law is followed fairly.
Todd Blanche just got that job — he is now the attorney general.
Before this job, Todd was President Trump's personal lawyer, helping him with his criminal cases.
Some people worry that because Todd used to work so closely with the president, he might not make fair and independent decisions.
A reporter asked Todd if he would promise to always make decisions completely on his own, without being told what to do by the president.
Todd said no, he would not promise that, and he said no attorney general ever should.
He also said the president would never ask him to do something wrong, so there was nothing to worry about.
Todd got the job after a very close vote in the Senate, where almost half of the people voted against him.
Some people are happy about his new job, but others are worried that the Justice Department might not stay fair and independent under President Trump.
Todd Blanche refused to pledge that the Justice Department will always act independently of President Donald Trump, saying no attorney general ever should.
Blanche was confirmed as attorney general by a 50-49 Senate vote, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
Asked if he would refuse an unethical presidential request, Blanche insisted Trump 'would never do that.'
Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, previously defended Trump in three of the four major criminal cases before the 2024 election.
Blanche rejected the idea that he and Trump are friends, saying, 'I'm his lawyer — was his lawyer.'
- Who
- Todd Blanche, the newly sworn-in US attorney general, and President Donald Trump.
- What
- Blanche refused to pledge that the Justice Department would always act independently of Trump and was sworn in after a narrow Senate confirmation.
- When
- Sunday, when Blanche's Meet the Press interview aired, and Monday, when he was sworn in.
- Where
- At the White House, where the oath was administered, and later at Justice Department headquarters, where employees welcomed him.
- Why
- His refusal fueled concerns about Justice Department independence under Trump, who has repeatedly demanded action against political opponents.
Independence advocates
Trump administration supporters
DOJ independence pledge
Independence advocates
Blanche should pledge that the Justice Department will always act independently of the White House; his refusal fuels fears of politically driven prosecutions.
Trump administration supporters
No attorney general should ever pledge blanket independence from the White House; the job is to carry out legal responsibilities, not make political promises.
Relationship with Trump
Independence advocates
Blanche's long role as Trump's personal lawyer makes it hard to trust that he can fairly pursue cases involving the president's critics.
Trump administration supporters
Blanche can separate his former role as Trump's lawyer from his duties as attorney general, and he has said he and Trump are not friends.
Weaponization of the Justice Department
Independence advocates
The department is increasingly politicized under Trump, facing internal departures and court resistance, and the close vote showed bipartisan concern.
Trump administration supporters
Blanche strongly rejects allegations that the administration has weaponized the department and insists it is carrying out its legal duties.
- Attorney General
- Todd Blanche
- Senate confirmation vote
- 50-49
- Opposition
- Two Republicans joined Democrats against confirmation
- Previous role
- Acting attorney general since Pam Bondi was fired in April
- Relationship to Trump
- Former personal lawyer and criminal defense attorney
- Oath administered by
- Judge Emil Bove
- Criminal cases represented
- Three of four major Trump cases before the 2024 election, including the New York trial
- Television interview
- NBC's 'Meet the Press' with Kristen Welker