Fidelity to Trump ‘nearly cost’ Blanche his confirmation, AP reports
Attorney General Todd Blanche defended his record leading the Justice Department in a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press during a trip to Puerto Rico this week. The interview, reported by Alanna Durkin Richer and datelined San Juan, came as Blanche navigated threading between Trump’s demands and a prosecutor’s duty to uphold the rule of law.
AP framed that challenge as one other leaders of Trump’s Justice Department “could not overcome.” According to the wire service, Blanche has stepped into what AP characterized as a “commanding role” at the department, charged with leading an institution under simultaneous political and institutional strain.
Blanche’s path to the role was not straightforward. AP reported that his fidelity to Trump “nearly cost him his confirmation.” Blanche ultimately secured the position.
In the interview, Blanche addressed critics who have questioned his independence. He pledged to lead the department with integrity, AP reported. He dismissed concerns that his actions so far — including an indictment against longtime Trump foe and former FBI Director James Comey — call into question whether he is “still functioning as Trump’s personal lawyer,” according to AP.
Beyond the political questions, Blanche faces institutional pressures within the department itself. AP reported that the workforce has been “shaken by an exodus of experienced lawyers.” That attrition comes alongside what AP described as an “erosion of trust in the judicial branch.”
“Now comes Blanche’s real test,” AP wrote. The interview took place during Blanche’s travel to Puerto Rico this week.