AG Blanche Criticizes Pritzker for Ignoring Crime Spike Assistance

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has taken aim at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing him of turning down federal support to tackle the rising gun violence in Chicago—this comes in light of 37 shootings that occurred over just two days. Blanche pointed out the significant reduction in crime observed in Washington, D.C., thanks to federal intervention, and also mentioned the FBI’s prowess in apprehending a Medicare fraudster linked to $1.2 billion and recovering $5 billion in stolen funds.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Bill Barr is urging Senate Republicans to confirm Todd Blanche as the new attorney general. Barr believes that Blanche’s previous role as Trump’s defense attorney should be viewed positively, not as a liability.

In a column for the Wall Street Journal, Barr argued for Blanche’s confirmation, emphasizing his qualifications and asserting that he can manage the Justice Department more effectively than anyone else under Trump’s administration, which the country greatly needs. However, this appeal comes amid a challenging confirmation process for Blanche, as many Republican senators have yet to voice their backing.

Barr also countered criticisms suggesting that Blanche’s past with Trump makes him unreliable. He stated that successful attorneys often have to deliver hard truths to their clients, and Blanche has a track record of doing just that. Barr claimed that Blanche is in a unique position to advise the president, given their established relationship.

“Critics believe that because Blanche has been so close to Trump, he won’t challenge him. That’s not true,” Barr noted. “Effective lawyers don’t shy away from giving tough advice, and this is essential for building trust.” He reiterated that Blanche’s rapport with Trump is a strength rather than a drawback.

However, since stepping into the acting attorney general role after Pam Bondi’s resignation, Blanche has faced significant scrutiny, particularly due to leading prosecutions against some of Trump’s fiercest critics, including the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Additionally, his leadership on efforts to form an anti-weaponization fund has faced backlash.

The surrounding controversy has made Blanche’s confirmation uncertain. Some Republican senators, like Thom Tillis of North Carolina, expressed hesitance, linking their support to concerns about missing funds. Tillis remarked that if the Weaponization Fund is not dismantled by the time of the confirmation hearing, it could become a problem.

Another member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator John Cornyn from Texas, also refrained from giving his support right away, indicating his desire for more information before making a final decision.

A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Blanche’s nomination is expected to take place in mid-July, as the Republicans consider whether to forward Trump’s nominee to the entire Senate.

Previously serving under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Trump, Bill Barr has been a significant figure in the Trump administration. He defended many of Trump’s policies but later criticized the president’s claims regarding voter fraud in the wake of the 2020 election.