Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump‘s nominee for deputy attorney general, told lawmakers during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Wednesday that he does not support the public release of Volume II of former special counsel Jack Smith‘s report on the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case.
Why It Matters
Blanche’s nomination for the second-in-command role at the Justice Department is crucial, especially as the department faces ongoing scrutiny over its independence. His refusal to support the report’s release raises concerns about transparency in one of the most high-profile investigations into Trump. Given Blanche’s role in Trump’s defense team, Democrats questioned whether he could remain impartial if confirmed to the Department of Justice.
What to Know
During the hearing, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff asked Blanche directly about his stance on releasing the Mar-a-Lago case report. “Do you support Volume II of the report being made public?” Schiff asked. Blanche responded, “No.”
When pressed about whether he would commit to preserving evidence from the cases Smith brought against Trump, Blanche avoided giving a clear answer, saying only, “I commit to following the law.”
Frustrated, Schiff responded, “Mr. Blanche, I understand everybody can say generically that they’ll follow the law. But, I’ve asked you a simple question about whether you’ll preserve evidence, and you can’t say ‘yes.'” Blanche reiterated his stance, emphasizing the importance of all DOJ attorneys, both political and career, following established rules.
Blanche, a former federal prosecutor in New York, became a key figure in Trump’s defense during the legal battles surrounding the New York hush money case and two criminal cases brought by the Justice Department. These cases were eventually withdrawn after Trump won the 2024 election, owing to department policy that restricts the prosecution of sitting presidents.
Despite Blanche’s efforts to downplay any partisan influence, his defense of Trump’s criminal cases, which he framed as politically motivated, raised concerns among Senate Democrats. Many questioned his ability to separate politics from the law, particularly given Trump’s history of pushing the legal system for personal gain.
Blanche’s appointment would bring him under Attorney General Pam Bondi, a staunch Trump ally. Bondi, who was confirmed last week, has been vocal in supporting Trump’s view that the Justice Department under President Biden was weaponized against conservatives. Blanche echoed this sentiment, calling the criminal cases against Trump part of a broader abuse of the justice system.
Blanche told lawmakers that under his leadership, the Department of Justice would focus on the real criminals undermining public safety and protecting citizens’ rights.
Blanche’s stance reflects a growing divide in American politics, with Republicans rallying behind his legal defense of Trump, while Democrats remain wary of his potential bias. Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal challenged Blanche during the hearing, expressing concerns about the pressures Blanche could face from the White House, especially given Trump’s past attempts to influence the legal process.
Blanche’s response to these questions was firm: “I will follow the law, senator. Period.” However, this assurance did little to ease the concerns of Democrats who point to Trump’s attempts to influence previous investigations, such as his pressure on FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Jeff Sessions during his first term.
Former Attorney General Merrick Garland has defended his department’s work, telling staff in his farewell address last month: “You have worked to pursue justice, not politics.” Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led investigations into Trump’s actions, has similarly stated that politics played no role in the decisions of his team, which charged Trump with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results.
Republicans, however, praised Blanche for his integrity and commitment to defending his client despite personal and professional risks. Florida GOP Senator Ashley Moody emphasized his loyalty to the law, describing Blanche as someone who stood up for what he believed was right, even in the face of public scrutiny.
What People Are Saying
Deputy Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche: “Partisan lawfare in our justice system wastes taxpayer money, makes communities less safe, and ruins lives.”
Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal: “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.”
What Happens Next
As Blanche’s confirmation continues to unfold, his role in shaping the future of the Justice Department is under close scrutiny. His stance on remaining politically neutral will be tested as he assumes a pivotal position in the department’s leadership. With ongoing investigations into Trump’s actions and the future of federal law enforcement, the Senate’s decision on Blanche’s nomination will have far-reaching implications.
