Attorney General Todd Blanche Says He Will Consider President Trump's Views on Prosecutions
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In an interview, newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche said he would take President Donald Trump's perspective into account on criminal cases and declined to pledge DOJ independence from the White House.
Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Aug. 16 that he would consider President Donald Trump’s views when deciding prosecutions, stating, "Will I take the president of the United States’ view on something into consideration? Yes, of course." When asked whether he would act independently of the White House, he replied, "No, I’m not going to pledge that." Blanche, who was confirmed by the Senate after serving as acting attorney general since April, has previously testified that the Justice Department takes policy direction "from the president" and emphasized that the department is part of the executive branch.
The comments come amid ongoing criticism that the Justice Department has become a tool for political purposes under Trump, who has previously called for prosecutions of several political opponents. Blanche also expressed support for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s investigation of alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, noting the president’s frustration with the case but saying he does not fault the president for that reaction.
Legal actions referenced in the interview include recent prosecutions of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of which have faced procedural setbacks. The Justice Department continues to appeal dismissals and pursue related cases.