COLUMBUS — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s Nomination
In an interview on Thursday, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed his gratitude for being nominated by the president to take on the role of permanent head of the Justice Department. He mentioned his willingness to collaborate with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers if confirmed.
Blanche highlighted his close work with FBI Director Kash Patel, especially since the departure of former FBI Director Pam Bondi. He emphasized that addressing issues like fraud, violent crime, and drug trafficking remains a priority. “Violent crime is at historic lows, thanks to President Trump, who is enabling law enforcement to fulfill their duties,” he noted, adding, “We say, ‘Make America Safe Again,’ but it’s not just a catchphrase; it’s a commitment for us.”
President Trump is expected to formally announce his next appointee soon. He shared the news Wednesday at a Rose Garden event attended by Blanche, who noted that the president stays informed about their hard work. However, he mentioned they haven’t engaged in detailed discussions about upcoming appointments needing Senate approval.
When questioned about his priorities following a successful Senate vote, Blanche indicated, “The most important matters are the ones we are currently tackling. This is why we’re visiting Ohio to discuss the FBI’s fraud case.” He has a background as a prosecutor in New York, starting as a paralegal while attending night law school and later becoming co-chief of the violent crimes division.
On the same day, Blanche, alongside Patel and others, announced charges against a defendant in Ohio for defrauding a Medicaid program for children, allegedly embezzling $32 million and using the funds to buy luxury vehicles.
Regarding his nomination’s reception in Congress, Blanche stated, “I plan to engage with senators. I maintain good relationships with both sides and am open to discussions.” Nevertheless, some Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee have expressed concerns about a fund established through Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, which could potentially compensate those they believe were politically prosecuted.
Blanche’s time as acting head of the Justice Department has included significant indictments of Trump opponents, including James Comey, who faced charges of lying to Congress under Bondy’s leadership before being dismissed on procedural issues.
Comey’s current legal troubles include accusations related to a threatening social media post towards President Trump. Blanche announced these charges shortly after a gunman attempted to breach a room during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Additionally, Blanche and Patel have suggested pressing charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center for funding hate groups through misleading organizations, a matter that federal authorities assert has exacerbated racial tensions.
Some Klan members allegedly received reimbursements from leftist organizations for materials used in cross-burning, but no charges have yet been filed relating to deception towards banks over these costs.
Blanche emphasized that many of these investigations aren’t politically driven and began long before the Trump administration. “Our investigations will continue aggressively, as the American public expects,” he remarked.
Patel expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Blanche across departmental cases, including the upcoming extradition of former Cuban leader Raul Castro for a 1996 murder.
There’s also an ongoing investigation concerning public officials accused of destroying federal records related to COVID-19, alongside a scandal involving a former CIA official accused of misappropriating significant amounts of gold and currency.
Patel reflected on his long-standing friendship with Blanche and their shared commitment to the administration’s mission. “We are focusing on continuing the trend of historic crime reductions, especially in violent crime and national security,” he said.
