Story perspectives

Obama Calls for Codified AG Independence After Trump Names Blanche

5/6/2026

Center

Obama Warns AG

Obama warned the attorney general must not act as President Donald Trump’s consigliere.
Stephen Colbert noted Obama said the attorney general must stay independent while the Justice Department prosecutes President Donald Trump’s rivals.
He said Congress should codify AG independence rather than rely on tradition.
Trump removed Pam Bondi, named Todd Blanche, who charged Comey before a court dismissed them.

Left

Obama Warns Trump

Barack Obama, former President, warned that U.S. President Donald Trump is turning the Justice Department into his personal weapon.
The interview took place at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center, where Obama made the remarks.
Obama urged that the attorney general serve the people, not act as Trump’s consigliere.
He praised Chicago Mayor Mamdani’s policy explanations and mocked Trump’s hair as a new qualification.

History

Historical Context

October 1973, President Richard Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to fire Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox; Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned rather than obey, creating the “Saturday Night Massacre” that provoked about 71,000 telegrams in 36 hours. Former President Barack Obama cites that episode to warn today’s Attorney General against President Donald Trump’s attempts to politicize the Justice Department.

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Obama Warns AG

Obama warned the attorney general must not act as President Donald Trump’s consigliere.
Stephen Colbert noted Obama said the attorney general must stay independent while the Justice Department prosecutes President Donald Trump’s rivals.
He said Congress should codify AG independence rather than rely on tradition.
Trump removed Pam Bondi, named Todd Blanche, who charged Comey before a court dismissed them.

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