Acting Attorney General Critiques Media Reporting on Justice Department
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday regarding the media’s “totally false” portrayal of the Justice Department’s actions concerning weapons. His remarks were a response to a reporter’s question about how he plans to reconcile the administration’s aim to stop weaponization at the Justice Department with the intense pressure from President Donald Trump to go after those he sees as political adversaries.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney during legal challenges after his first term, acknowledged the existence of such pressure. He pointed out that numerous investigations into Trump have been initiated under the current Biden administration.
“When we talk about weaponization, it seems to have become a loaded term, almost as if it’s wrong for us,” Blanche commented. He noted that some reporters present had been around during the previous administration, witnessing what he described as unprecedented weaponization of the department, while also referencing Trump’s four indictments.
One significant legal case involved Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who obtained indictments and convictions against Trump in March 2023 relating to a non-disclosure agreement with Stormy Daniels.
Special Counsel Jack Smith has also brought charges against Trump over the handling of classified information and efforts to dispute the 2020 election results. Additionally, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicted Trump for his attempts to contest the election results.
Blanche emphasized that the Justice Department was complicit in the attempts to challenge Trump’s candidacy, stating, “This department sat idly by while states attempted to keep President Trump off the ballot.” He dismissed allegations of weaponization as entirely false.
The Supreme Court recently stated that only Congress possesses the authority to enforce the “insurrection clause” of the 14th Amendment, following a Colorado Supreme Court ruling that deemed Trump disqualified under its provisions. Blanche reassured reporters that the administration’s focus remains on targeting wrongdoing.
He reiterated, “What we’re doing, and what we’ve been doing for the last 14 months, is changing this department. We are different now.” He countered claims that the president seeks revenge against political opponents, asserting that Trump desires justice, considering the extensive investigations involving him, his family, and those connected to him.
Blanche concluded by acknowledging the media’s tendency to portray the department as having a specific agenda, but maintained that this is simply not accurate.
