Who Is Todd Blanche? Trump’s New Attorney General Pick After Pam Bondi’s Exit

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will nominate acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Justice Department, elevating his former personal lawyer to one of the most powerful positions in the federal government.

Trump announced the decision during a White House event after Blanche became the favorite for the permanent job following Pam Bondi’s firing in April

The nomination, expected to be formally submitted to the Senate, will require confirmation by lawmakers.

Blanche has become a key figure in Trump’s second administration since taking over as acting attorney general following the dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April.

Trump publicly praised Blanche while discussing the nomination, describing him as a highly capable lawyer who has performed well while running the department.

“He’s a very talented guy,” Trump said, adding that Blanche has been “doing a very good job” at the Justice Department.

The selection reflects Trump’s trust in Blanche, who has overseen the department during a period of major political and legal battles. During his time as acting attorney general, Blanche moved forward with investigations involving several prominent Trump critics and came under scrutiny over a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund intended for people the administration said had been unfairly targeted by politically motivated prosecutions. The proposal was later abandoned after criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

If confirmed, Blanche would take charge of the Justice Department at a time when questions about its priorities and independence remain at the center of national political debate.

Blanche, 51, is a former federal prosecutor and white-collar defense attorney who gained national prominence as one of Trump’s lead defense lawyers during the criminal cases that followed the president’s first term in office.

Before entering private practice, Blanche spent years as a federal prosecutor in New York, handling criminal cases and building a reputation in white-collar investigations.

Blanche worked at WilmerHale and later became a partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft before joining Trump’s defense team in 2023.

He represented Trump in several high-profile criminal matters, including the New York hush-money case involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels and federal prosecutions brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

He eventually led Trump’s criminal defense team during some of the most consequential legal battles of the president’s career.

Following Trump’s return to the White House, Blanche was nominated and confirmed as deputy attorney general before being elevated to acting attorney general after Bondi’s departure.

Blanche has repeatedly rejected claims that the Justice Department has become politicized, saying he is focused on correcting what he describes as past abuses during the Biden administration. Supporters view him as a trusted legal adviser carrying out the administration’s agenda, while critics argue the department has devoted increasing attention to investigations involving Trump’s political opponents.

One of the most closely watched cases during his tenure involved former FBI Director James Comey. Federal prosecutors charged Comey in April over a social media post featuring seashells arranged on a beach that authorities said amounted to a threat against the president. Comey denied wrongdoing, called the case politically motivated, and said he would not be surprised if additional charges were pursued.

If confirmed, Blanche would become the nation’s chief law enforcement officer at a time when the Justice Department remains under intense political scrutiny.

Supporters say his experience as a prosecutor, defense lawyer and senior Justice Department official makes him well qualified for the role. Critics, however, have questioned whether his previous work as Trump’s personal attorney could blur the traditional separation between the White House and the Justice Department.

The nomination now heads to the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority and are expected to have the votes needed to confirm Blanche.…Read more by Shraddha Poojara