Todd Blanche Faces Scrutiny in DOJ Confirmation Hearing \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, faced intense questioning from Senate Democrats during his confirmation hearing for Deputy Attorney General. Blanche defended his past legal work for Trump, calling the criminal cases against him “partisan lawfare.” His nomination raises concerns over the Justice Department’s independence, especially after leadership dismissed corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
Todd Blanche DOJ Confirmation Hearing: Quick Looks
- Todd Blanche, Trump’s former lawyer, seeks confirmation as Deputy Attorney General.
- Blanche criticized criminal cases against Trump as politically motivated “lawfare.”
- Democrats questioned his ability to resist political pressure from the White House.
- He would serve under Attorney General Pam Bondi, a longtime Trump ally.
- The DOJ recently dropped a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
- Blanche vowed to keep politics out of his role, but concerns remain.
- His legal background includes prosecuting and defending high-profile figures.
- Senate Republicans praised him as a strong choice for restoring DOJ credibility.
Deep Look
A Heated Confirmation Hearing Amid DOJ Scrutiny
Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, faced a tense and politically charged confirmation hearing on Wednesday, as Senate Democrats questioned whether he could maintain the Justice Department’s independence while serving under Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Blanche, nominated for Deputy Attorney General, previously defended Trump in multiple criminal cases, including the New York hush money trial, which resulted in 34 felony convictions, and the Justice Department’s federal cases, which were dropped after Trump’s 2024 election victory due to longstanding DOJ policy barring the prosecution of a sitting president.
During the hearing, Blanche dismissed the cases against Trump as “partisan lawfare,” echoing the former president’s claims that Democrats weaponized the legal system against conservatives. His remarks immediately alarmed Senate Democrats, who pressed him on whether he could resist presidential interference in DOJ matters.
Blanche’s Defense: “Politics Will Not Influence My Role”
Despite concerns over his ties to Trump, Blanche sought to reassure lawmakers that he would act independently as Deputy Attorney General.
“Partisan lawfare in our justice system wastes taxpayer money, makes communities less safe, and ruins lives. This should never happen in America,” Blanche declared. “America deserves better, and it will stop now.”
He pledged that political considerations would not affect his decisions, stating:
“We will work to restore the American people’s faith in our justice system, focusing the Department of Justice on the criminals who undermine our safety and destroy our lives.”
Still, Blanche’s history as Trump’s attorney and his public criticism of DOJ investigations left many lawmakers skeptical.
DOJ Controversy: Dropping the Eric Adams Case
Blanche’s confirmation hearing comes at a time when the Justice Department is under intense scrutiny following its decision to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat who has maintained strong ties with President Trump.
DOJ leadership, including acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, stated that the case was not dismissed due to a lack of evidence, but rather because the timing of the charges—just before Adams’ reelection campaign—could have distracted from his work supporting Trump’s law-and-order initiatives.
The move has led critics to question the DOJ’s independence, with Democrats accusing the department of favoritism and selective prosecution under the Trump administration.
Democratic Concerns: Will Blanche Resist Presidential Pressure?
Democrats expressed deep reservations about Blanche’s nomination, particularly given Trump’s history of pressuring DOJ officials to act in his political interests.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) directly confronted Blanche, saying:
“There will be times—if history is any guide—that the president will ask you to do things that are illegal or immoral. I need to be sure that you’re willing to say ‘no’ to the president of the United States when he does it.”
Blanche, however, dismissed the premise, replying:
“I do not believe the president would ever ask me to do something illegal or immoral.”
When pressed further, he stated:
“I will follow the law, senator. Period.”
Democrats remained unsatisfied with his answers, citing Trump’s past attempts to influence DOJ investigations, including:
- Urging then-FBI Director James Comey to drop the investigation into Michael Flynn.
- Pressuring Attorney General Jeff Sessions to rescind his recusal from the Russia probe.
- Telling White House counsel to seek the firing of special counsel Robert Mueller.
All of these instances were later investigated as potential obstruction of justice, and both Sessions and Comey were fired.
Given this history, Senate Democrats worry that Blanche may not resist similar pressure if confirmed.
Republican Support: “Blanche Will Restore Credibility”
While Democrats raised concerns, Senate Republicans strongly backed Blanche, arguing that his experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney made him the ideal candidate to restore the DOJ’s credibility.
Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) praised Blanche’s decision to defend Trump, calling it a sign of integrity.
“When most people would have turned away in the face of overwhelming adversity and personal risk, Mr. Blanche stood up for what he knew was right,” Moody said.
She argued that Blanche’s willingness to take on high-profile cases demonstrated his commitment to the rule of law, adding:
“Regardless of the pressure he faced inside his own firm or the criticisms he received in the media, Mr. Blanche had the integrity to fulfill his duty—not only to President Trump as his attorney—but to fulfill what he believed was the promise of our nation.”
Republicans framed Blanche’s nomination as part of a larger effort to restore trust in the DOJ, which they argue was weaponized under the Biden administration.
What’s Next? Will Blanche Be Confirmed?
With a closely divided Senate, Blanche’s confirmation remains uncertain. While Republicans support him, he will need some Democratic votes to be confirmed. Given the concerns over DOJ independence, some moderate Democrats may hesitate to back his nomination.
Key questions that could influence his confirmation:
- Will Blanche clarify his stance on resisting political pressure from Trump?
- Will the DOJ’s decision to drop the Eric Adams case sway any votes?
- Will moderate Democrats support his nomination, or will they block it?
As the confirmation process continues, all eyes remain on the Senate to see whether Blanche wins approval or faces a major roadblock on his path to the Justice Department’s second-in-command.
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