WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump indicated Wednesday that he intends to nominate acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Department of Justice, praising the former defense attorney’s performance since taking over the position earlier this year.
During an appearance on the podcast “Pod Force One,” Trump was asked whether Blanche would become attorney general on a permanent basis. “I think he will,” Trump replied, while declining to provide a timeline for a formal nomination.
Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April, when Trump dismissed former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Before assuming the department’s top position, Blanche served as deputy attorney general and was one of Trump’s personal attorneys during several high-profile legal battles.
Since becoming acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen several controversial actions by the Justice Department. The department brought cases involving the Southern Poverty Law Center, former Cuban President Raúl Castro, and former FBI Director James Comey. The Comey case stems from allegations that a social media post containing seashells arranged to read “86-47” constituted a threat against the president.
Blanche also approved the creation of a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund tied to a settlement involving Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. However, following bipartisan criticism and legal challenges, Blanche recently announced that the Justice Department would not move forward with the fund.
Trump’s endorsement signals confidence in Blanche’s leadership as the administration continues reshaping the Justice Department during the president’s second term. Any permanent appointment would require Senate confirmation.
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