Todd Blanche Confirmed By Congress as Deputy Attorney General

Todd Blanche’s appointment as Deputy Attorney General marks a crucial shift in the Justice Department’s landscape against a backdrop of political tension.

Quick Takes

Todd Blanche has been confirmed as Deputy Attorney General, succeeding Emil Bove.
Blanche’s confirmation vote was 52-46, with all Democrats opposing.
He will oversee 93 U.S. Attorneys and agencies like the FBI and DEA.
Blanche previously served as a criminal defense attorney for Donald Trump.

The Confirmation of Todd Blanche

Todd Blanche, a former criminal defense attorney for Donald Trump, has been confirmed as Deputy Attorney General by the U.S. Senate. This decision, confirmed by a vote of 52-46, faced opposition from all Senate Democrats. The news comes after Trump nominated him for the position back in November, shortly after he was elected for president.

Blanche, taking on a pivotal role, will oversee 93 U.S. Attorneys and law enforcement entities like the FBI and DEA. During his confirmation, Blanche assured that politics would not influence his judgment and that he aimed to restore trust in the justice system.

His appointment follows Emil Bove, who served as Acting Deputy Attorney General. Bove was instrumental in dismissing politically sensitive cases, including the firing of top FBI officials involved in charges against Trump. Notably, Bove remains within the Justice Department, serving as the Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General.

NEW: The Senate has voted along party lines, 52-46, to confirm former Trump defense attorney Todd Blanche as deputy attorney general. pic.twitter.com/jPP2o4nVGV

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 5, 2025

Background and Challenges

Blanche, a key figure in Trump’s legal defenses, faced scrutiny during his confirmation hearing. Attorney General Pam Bondi, notably, has tasked the Deputy AG’s office with reviewing Jack Smith’s cases against Trump, including the classified documents and 2020 elections investigations.

Blanche did not clarify whether he would recuse himself from reviews of cases he previously oversaw, but he expressed a desire to restore the “American people’s faith in our justice system.” Additionally, Blanche echoed concerns about “partisan lawfare,” a sentiment Trump supporters are likely familiar with. This stance emphasizes a vision for a more neutral Justice Department.

Blanche’s counterpart, Emil Bove, played a controversial role. His dismissal of corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams led to eight prosecutors resigning in protest. These actions underscore the politically charged environment Blanche steps into.