Newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to assure NBC host Kristen Welker on ‘Meet the Press’ that the Justice Department would always act independently from the White House. He emphasized the importance of the DOJ being able to carry out lawful presidential policies.
Blanche explained, ‘No, I’m not going to pledge that. And no attorney general should ever pledge that.’ He referenced President Donald Trump’s directive targeting violent criminals to highlight the distinction between lawful policy direction and political interference.
According to Blanche, if President Trump instructs the DOJ to target violent criminals, an attorney general shouldn’t refuse to follow these lawful orders. Blanche’s stance aligns with the DOJ’s internal rules, allowing coordination between the White House and DOJ on policies, with limited case-related interaction to protect against partisan influence.
During his confirmation hearing in July, Blanche reaffirmed this position when questioned by Senator Chris Coons about the DOJ’s independence. He stated, ‘The Department of Justice, like every department in the executive branch, is part of the executive.’
Blanche was also questioned about complying with unethical or illegal directives. He asserted President Trump had never made, nor would make, such a request, emphasizing his constitutional oath. ‘He never has. He never will,’ Blanche stated, highlighting his commitment to the Constitution.
Blanche was confirmed by Senate vote, facing opposition relating to DOJ independence concerns.
The Justice Department directed inquiries to a statement from Emily Covington, Director of the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs, reflecting on the importance of the DOJ aligning with elected presidential policy goals. NBC News and the White House did not immediately comment.
Senate opposition to Blanche’s confirmation stemmed from GOP demands that he reverse a $1.8 billion fund and IRS audit protection policies for Trump. Despite opposition, Blanche was confirmed, with Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposing his nomination.
Blanche pledged fair and impartial enforcement of the law in his first address to DOJ employees as Attorney General: ‘I promise you that I will lead this department with integrity,’ he stated, reiterating the DOJ’s mission to enforce law fairly.
CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, emphasizes the role of journalism in shaping politics and culture. CJ’s academic background includes a BA in Political Science with a minor in Journalism from Long Beach State University.