Todd Blanche’s Private Swearing-In Marks a Controversial Start to His DOJ Tenure

On May 27, 2026, Todd Blanche took the oath of office as Attorney General in a private ceremony held in the Oval Office. The oath was administered by Judge Emil Bove, a former junior co-counsel on Donald Trump’s criminal defense team. Former DOJ pardon attorney Liz Oyer described the event as unusually secretive, noting that the press was not invited. After the ceremony, Blanche returned to the Justice Department headquarters—known as “Main Justice”—where employees were summoned from their offices and required to stand and applaud his entrance.

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Both Blanche and Bove previously served as personal lawyers for President Donald Trump. Blanche acted as senior partner on Trump’s defense, while Bove was the junior partner. Bove later received a lifetime appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, a seat Trump nominated in 2025.

Talking Points Memo

• May 27, 2026 – Blanche is sworn in by Judge Emil Bove in a private Oval Office ceremony.

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• May 27, 2026 – DOJ staff are summoned to applaud Blanche’s entrance at Main Justice.

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• May 27, 2026 – Blanche’s first official act is reported to be a memo that expands the scope of executive privilege, allowing the president to keep internal legal advice confidential.

Raw Story

Liz Oyer characterized the swearing-in as “incredibly bizarre” and “unbelievably inappropriate,” emphasizing the lack of press access and the compelled applause. Additional commentary from legal analysts describes recent DOJ actions—such as arguments before federal judges deemed “pretextual” and “bad-faith”—as reflective of a shift toward protecting Trump’s interests rather than impartial law enforcement.

Above the Law

• “Todd Blanche was like the senior partner representing Donald Trump, and Bove was the junior partner. And they worked very closely together,” — Liz Oyer, department pardon attorney

Raw Story

• “He was sworn in in a private event at the White House that was not open to the press,” — Liz Oyer, department pardon attorney

Raw Story

• “I promise you that I will lead this department with integrity,” — General Todd Blanche, place at attorney

Above the Law

• “He was sworn in at a private event at the White House that was not open to the press,” — Liz Oyer, department pardon attorney

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