Trump Loyalist Todd Blanche Installed as Attorney General Amidst Purge and Attacks on Transparency
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Todd Blanche, previously Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as attorney general, replacing Pam Bondi. His appointment signals a deepening of Trump’s grip on the Justice Department and continued erosion of democratic norms.
On Monday, Todd Blanche—a longtime Trump loyalist and former personal criminal defense attorney for the ex-president—was sworn in as the United States attorney general at a White House ceremony, following a Senate confirmation process marked by secrecy and partisan maneuvering. Blanche, 52, had been acting attorney general since April, after joining the Justice Department as deputy attorney general in early 2025. His elevation marks the second time Trump has installed a Senate-confirmed attorney general in his second term, following the abrupt removal of Pam Bondi earlier this year.
Since taking over as acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen a sweeping purge of over 200 prosecutors and agents, many of whom were involved in investigations related to Trump—an unmistakable move to shield the administration from accountability. Blanche has aggressively pushed an expansive interpretation of presidential authority, further undermining checks and balances. His tenure has already been marred by legal defeats, including a federal judge’s decision to refer findings to bar authorities for possible disciplinary action, highlighting the administration’s disregard for the rule of law.
Despite the closed-door nature of the confirmation, administration press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a congratulatory message on social media, signaling the White House’s satisfaction with Blanche’s installation. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to demand the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, but Blanche has persisted in policies that obstruct transparency, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and advocates for open government.
Blanche now leads a Justice Department increasingly weaponized against political opponents, after President Trump ousted Bondi for not being aggressive enough in targeting dissent. The appointment cements Trump’s control over the nation’s top law enforcement agency and raises grave concerns about the future of justice and democracy in the United States.