Full Breakdown
Trump Moves to Make Todd Blanche Permanent Attorney General
6/5/2026, 8:03:37 AM
Nomination Announcement
President Donald Trump told a Rose Garden audience that he would instruct Deputy White House aide Dan Scavino to submit a nomination for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche “very quickly.” The video posted on X captured Trump saying, “Tomorrow I’m instructing Dan … that we are going to make him permanent attorney general.” The president added that he believed the Senate confirmation would proceed “very quickly.”
Blanche’s Path to Acting AG
Blanche, 51, is a former personal defense lawyer for Trump. He defended the president in the 2024 New York hush-money trial and in a federal prosecution over alleged classified-document withholding. After serving as deputy attorney general under Pam Bondi, Blanche was elevated to acting attorney general in early April when Trump dismissed Bondi. His résumé includes a stint as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and private-practice work at Wilmer Hale and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.
Controversial DOJ Initiatives
Since taking the helm, Blanche has overseen several high-profile actions:
- James Comey indictment – a grand-jury indictment in April alleged that a seashell photo spelling “86 47” constituted a threat to the president.
- Anti-weaponization fund – a settlement of Trump’s $10 billion IRS lawsuit created a $1.8 billion (reported as $1.776 billion) fund to compensate individuals who claimed they were “victims of law-fare.” The proposal sparked bipartisan lawsuits and criticism that it could reward Jan. 6 participants. After a federal judge blocked payments, Blanche testified, “We’re not moving forward with the fund, period.”
- Epstein-file handling – Blanche was involved in the DOJ’s release of documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and conducted a 2025 interview with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell while she was incarcerated.
Political Landscape and Confirmation Outlook
The Senate is split 53-47 in favor of Republicans, with the Judiciary Committee holding a 12-10 GOP majority. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it was “hard to say” whether Blanche would survive the confirmation process. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned that Blanche was chosen “because he’s loyal to the president alone — not the Constitution, not the rule of law.” Republican Thom Tillis (NC) signaled he would oppose the nominee unless the anti-weaponization fund is eliminated and he receives a clear stance on the Jan. 6 riot. John Cornyn (TX) expressed uncertainty, noting that an attorney general must be able to tell the president “no.” The nomination will first face the Judiciary Committee before a full-Senate vote, where any GOP defections could derail the appointment.
Criticism & Opposition
Democrats and a subset of Republican senators have condemned the fund as a “slush fund” that could reimburse Capitol-rioters. Critics argue that Blanche’s prosecutions of former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and other Trump opponents reflect a politicized Justice Department. The White House has defended Blanche as an “American patriot” who “fearlessly fought” against what it calls “law-fare.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're not moving forward with the fund, period.” — Todd Blanche, congressional testimony.
- “Trump picked Blanche because he’s loyal to the president alone — not the Constitution, not the rule of law, and certainly not the American people, and not to the values that this country has had for 250 years,” — Chuck Schumer, Senate floor.
- “I think he will.” — Donald Trump, *Pod Force One* interview.
- “If this is still out there, can you imagine what the Democrats are going to do to that man during a confirmation hearing?” — Thom Tillis, interview with CNN.
- “Being attorney general is probably one of the hardest jobs in the Cabinet, because you’re working for the president but you’re also supposed to be able to tell the president ‘no,’” — John Cornyn, CNN interview.
- “He's a very talented guy. Todd's doing a very good job at DOJ.” — Donald Trump, *Pod Force One* appearance.
What’s Next
Blanche’s nomination is slated for a Judiciary Committee hearing in the coming weeks. Senators will probe the anti-weaponization fund, the Comey indictment, and the department’s handling of the Epstein files. The outcome will hinge on whether enough Republican senators break ranks to block the nominee or whether the administration can assuage concerns about DOJ independence.
