Attorney General Todd Blanche Rejects DOJ Independence Pledge

Newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche declined NBC host Kristen Welker’s plea on “Meet the Press” to ensure the Justice Department (DOJ) would consistently act independently of the White House. He argued that the agency must maintain the ability to execute lawful presidential policy priorities.

Blanche stated, “No, I’m not going to pledge that. And no attorney general should ever pledge that.” Using President Donald Trump’s initiative to focus on violent criminals, Blanche highlighted the distinction between lawful presidential directives and political interference in specific cases.

“If President Trump says, ‘I want the Department of Justice to go after every violent criminal in this country,’ which he has stated, you’re suggesting I should refuse,” Blanche responded.

The Justice Manual supports this distinction. It permits coordination between the White House and DOJ on policy matters separate from ongoing cases. However, it restricts contacts about cases to senior officials, safeguarding enforcement decisions from partisan influence.

During Blanche’s confirmation hearing in July, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., inquired about the DOJ’s independence from the White House. Blanche replied, “The Department of Justice, like every single department in the executive branch, is part of the executive.”

When asked whether he would adhere to an unethical or illegal directive, Blanche asserted that President Trump had never requested and would never request such actions. “He never has. He never will,” Blanche said while emphasizing his constitutional commitment. “I swore to the Constitution of the United States like every cabinet secretary has done and like every attorney general before me has done.”

Blanche’s words followed his Senate confirmation by a narrow 50-49 margin. Republicans expressed concern about the Justice Department’s independence.

The DOJ addressed the media exchange, pointing Fox News Digital to statements by Emily Covington, director of the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs. Covington posed, “Are you suggesting the Department’s focus should not align with the elected President’s policy goals? That President was elected because people supported their priorities.”

Welker queried whether Blanche would comply if Trump directed him to breach ethical or legal boundaries. Blanche rejected the premise, reinforcing his constitutional oath.

The Senate confirmed Blanche after addressing concerns about the DOJ’s independence, highlighting classified record investigations. FBI records released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley revealed differing opinions on a search warrant. The DOJ’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section maintained probable cause, leading to an approved warrant before the August 2022 search.

Coordination among DOJ, the White House Counsel’s Office, and the National Archives emerged during the classified-records investigation. Plans to interview Trump aide Walt Nauta depended on the Biden briefing timeline. The National Archives clarified that while they transmitted a DOJ-backed statutory request for FBI access to boxes returned by Trump, they had no prior knowledge of or involvement in the later search.

Blanche emphasized he would consider Trump’s views on a prosecution but would stand by his principles. He stated the president does not direct prosecutions of specific people.

Blanche faced scrutiny as some Senate Republicans demanded rescission of an anti-weaponization fund and IRS audit protections for Trump and his family.

Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska opposed Blanche’s nomination alongside Senate Democrats.

Collins remarked, “Mr. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the Department’s independence, which is why I oppose his confirmation.”

Blanche reassured DOJ employees during his inaugural workforce address, committing to integrity and fair enforcement. “I promise you I will lead this department with integrity,” Blanche stated. “I promise you I will focus on our core mission, which is to uphold the rule of law fairly and impartially.”

CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, highlights journalism’s critical role in shaping politics and culture. With years of experience analyzing media, CJ graduated from Long Beach State University with a degree in Political Science and Journalism. Reach CJ at [email protected] and follow on Twitter.