Todd Blanche pledges integrity in first Justice Department speech

Attorney General Todd Blanche delivered his first speech to the Justice Department workforce on Thursday, aiming to rally staff following a period of significant upheaval. Addressing employees in the Great Hall of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, Blanche pledged to lead with integrity and uphold the rule of law “without fear or favor.”

The address comes amid concerns regarding a depleted workforce due to mass firings and resignations, as well as accusations that the agency has been used to target political opponents. Blanche, who previously served as Donald Trump’s criminal defense lawyer, emphasized his commitment to the department’s core mission and promised to foster an environment where staff can offer ideas and engage in healthy debate.

Blanche vowed to respect the role of the judiciary and avoid “performative attacks” that could undermine institutional integrity. His confirmation by the Senate followed a narrow margin, with some Republican members expressing concerns regarding the potential politicization of the department under the current administration.