Todd Blanche’s New Role as Acting Attorney General

Todd Blanche, once seen as a conventional political appointee under President Trump, has taken on a more aggressive approach in his new position as acting attorney general. Blanche assumed this role after the departure of Pam Bondi in April and is now navigating the challenges of maintaining stability while executing bold actions to secure his standing.

Blanche’s history with Trump includes serving as the president’s lead defense lawyer, characterized by fierce loyalty. His allies expected him to restore competence to the Justice Department and demonstrate his toughness to secure a permanent position. However, Blanche has shown a departure from his previously moderate stance during his tenure as Bondi’s deputy.

The pace of investigations against perceived adversaries of Trump has accelerated. A notable event under Blanche’s leadership includes the indictment of former F.B.I. director James B. Comey over a social media post that was deemed threatening. Blanche has also supported debunked election conspiracy theories endorsed by the president.

Recently, Blanche announced a $1.8 billion fund to aid those claiming federal government targeting, effectively channeling taxpayer money to Trump allies, including participants in the January 6 Capitol event. Blanche stated, “The machinery of government should never be weaponized against any American, and it is this department’s intention to make right the wrongs that were previously done while ensuring this never happens again.” Democrats labeled this fund a “slush fund,” and a good-government group called it “one of the most corrupt acts in American history.”

A surprising move followed. The Justice Department added a supplement to the fund agreement providing Trump, his family, and their businesses with immunity from ongoing tax inquiries. This action, bearing Blanche’s signature, could protect the president from considerable financial liabilities.

Blanche’s decisive steps illustrate his evolving strategy in handling his dual responsibilities within the Justice Department.