Todd Blanche’s Controversial Tenure as Acting Attorney General

Todd Blanche, currently serving as the acting attorney general, is navigating a challenging path. His role demands striking a balance between his duties as a top official at the Justice Department and his previous position as a loyal defense attorney for President Trump.

When appointed to temporarily replace Pam Bondi after her dismissal in April, Blanche’s allies believed he could achieve two difficult objectives. The first was to restore stability and competence within the department. The second was to undertake actions bold enough to prove to Trump that Blanche was the right choice for a permanent title.

So far, Blanche has shown little of the moderation seen during his time as Bondi’s top deputy. The pace of investigations against those viewed unfavorably by Trump has increased. Notably, the former F.B.I. director, James B. Comey, faced indictment for social media posts interpreted as threatening.

Blanche has also amplified debunked election conspiracy theories promoted by Trump. His recent actions further illustrate his evolving approach.

This week, Blanche announced a $1.8 billion fund intended to benefit those allegedly targeted by the federal government. The fund effectively redirected taxpayer money to Trump allies, including supporters involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

The machinery of government should never be weaponized against any American, and it is this department’s intention to make right the wrongs that were previously done while ensuring this never happens again.

This initiative met with criticism. Democrats quickly labeled the fund as a “slush fund.” A leading good-government group called it “one of the single most corrupt acts in American history.”

An unexpected development followed. A provision in the fund agreement granted Trump, his family, and their businesses immunity from ongoing tax inquiries. This unprecedented move, authorized by Blanche, could protect Trump from substantial financial liabilities.