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Ethics Experts Warn DOJ Allows AG Blanche to Favor Trump

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ethics experts say the Justice Department’s safeguards let Attorney General Todd Blanche prioritize President Donald Trump’s interests.
The department told Blanche, acting Attorney General, to recuse from Trump-related cases, reporting his compliance.
Ethics lawyer Joseph Tirrell was fired in July after briefing Blanche on the recusal and later sued the department for compensation.
Adviser Benjamin Grimes warned Congress may need to intervene if the department’s conflict-of-interest situation persists.

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Story summary

Ethics experts say the Justice Department’s safeguards let Attorney General Todd Blanche prioritize President Donald Trump’s interests.
The department told Blanche, acting Attorney General, to recuse from Trump-related cases, reporting his compliance.
Ethics lawyer Joseph Tirrell was fired in July after briefing Blanche on the recusal and later sued the department for compensation.
Adviser Benjamin Grimes warned Congress may need to intervene if the department’s conflict-of-interest situation persists.