Story perspectives

DOJ Could Ask Supreme Court to Halt Voter-Roll Lawsuits

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Todd Blanche said Justice Department may ask the Supreme Court to intervene in voter-roll lawsuits.
Attorney General Todd Blanche reported DOJ had lost 22 cases and sued 30 states.
Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to pledge DOJ independence, saying he will consider U.S. President Donald Trump’s views.
Senate confirmed him 50-49 vote, Chuck Schumer, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against him, citing erosion of DOJ independence.

History

Historical Context

After the June 1972 Watergate break-in, Senate hearings began in May 1973 as Elliot Richardson entered the Justice Department and appointed Archibald Cox as special prosecutor. When President Richard Nixon ordered Cox’s dismissal on October 20, 1973, Richardson resigned, triggering the “Saturday Night Massacre,” which spurred roughly 300,000 telegrams and accelerated impeachment proceedings in Congress.

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Story summary

Attorney General Todd Blanche said Justice Department may ask the Supreme Court to intervene in voter-roll lawsuits.
Attorney General Todd Blanche reported DOJ had lost 22 cases and sued 30 states.
Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to pledge DOJ independence, saying he will consider U.S. President Donald Trump’s views.
Senate confirmed him 50-49 vote, Chuck Schumer, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against him, citing erosion of DOJ independence.

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