Attorney General Todd Blanche declines to pledge DOJ independence

Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the independence of the Justice Department during an interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’. When asked if the department would always act independently of the White House, Blanche stated, “No, I’m not going to pledge that.” He further asserted that President Trump “never has, never will” ask him to perform any action that is unethical or illegal.

Blanche, a former personal lawyer for the president, recently secured Senate confirmation by a single vote. Critics have raised concerns regarding the potential weaponization of the Justice Department, noting instances where the administration has targeted political opponents. The discussion also highlighted the limited power of Congress to protect the Attorney General from presidential dismissal following recent Supreme Court rulings regarding the removal of federal agency heads.