Trump nominates Todd Blanche for attorney general amid controversy over DOJ fund

Blanche previously served as a criminal defense lawyer for President Trump.

Trump nominates Todd Blanche for attorney general amid controversy over DOJ fund

TL;DR

  • Donald Trump nominated Todd Blanche as attorney general.
  • Blanche has been acting attorney general for over two months.
  • The nomination follows controversy over the DOJ's "Anti-Weaponization Fund."
  • Blanche previously served as a criminal defense lawyer for Trump.
  • Critics cite potential conflicts of interest due to Blanche's past legal work for Trump.
  • Blanche authorized immunity for Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization regarding IRS tax returns.
  • The "Anti-Weaponization Fund" was proposed as compensation for victims of prosecutorial overreach.
  • The fund faced criticism for potentially benefiting individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol invasion.
  • Blanche stated plans for the fund were abandoned, but concerns remain about its potential revival.
  • Lawsuits challenging the fund's legality are ongoing.
  • Blanche defended the agreement protecting Trump from prosecution related to pre-settlement tax returns.
  • Rep. Rosa DeLauro questioned Blanche about conflicts of interest regarding payments from the Save America PAC.
  • Sen. Dick Durbin expressed skepticism about Blanche's impartiality.
  • Blanche was put in charge of complying with a law requiring the release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
  • Trump faced criminal charges, and Blanche served as his defense lawyer in three cases.
  • Two cases against Trump regarding the 2020 election and classified documents were dropped after his 2024 election.
  • Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a New York state court case.