Todd Blanche Sworn in as Attorney General in Private Oval Office Ceremony
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Todd Blanche was inaugurated as attorney general in a closed-door ceremony at the White House, with former colleague Judge Emil Bove presiding.
Todd Blanche took the oath of office as attorney general on Monday in a private ceremony held in the Oval Office. The swearing-in was conducted by Judge Emil Bove, who previously worked with Blanche on President Donald Trump's defense team. No members of the press were invited, but Blanche's family, including his wife, daughter and granddaughter, were present. Blanche told CNN he was "feeling good" as he left the Justice Department for the White House.
Bove, now a federal appeals court judge, served as acting deputy attorney general before Blanche's confirmation in 2025 and later became Blanche's top deputy. Their shared history at the Justice Department has drawn attention to the event.
FBI Director Kash Patel and White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller also attended the ceremony.
Blanche was confirmed by a 50–49 Senate vote, with Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposing the nomination. Since joining the department, Blanche has been involved in efforts to align the Justice Department's policies with the president's agenda, including legal arguments that expand presidential authority and the dismissal of several senior prosecutors and officials.