Acting US Attorney General Vows Probe Into Iran Leaks, Defends Trump Influence

Blanche says Justice Department has advised White House on Iran, signals tougher action on perceived foes.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:53pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary government office desk in a shadowy, wood-paneled room, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually illustrating the political tensions surrounding the Justice Department's probe into Iran-related leaks.The Justice Department's investigation into classified leaks related to Iran policy exposes ongoing tensions between the White House and federal law enforcement.Washington Today

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department has provided counsel to the White House on Iran and warned that authorities will investigate leaks of classified information that could put soldiers or intelligence agents at risk. Blanche also defended Trump's right to influence federal investigations involving individuals or entities the president believes should face scrutiny, stating that it is the president's duty to do so.

Why it matters

Blanche's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the White House and the Justice Department, as well as concerns over the politicization of federal investigations under the Trump administration. The vow to probe Iran-related leaks also comes amid heightened tensions with Iran.

The details

Blanche made the remarks during his first press conference since being named acting attorney general last week. He said the Justice Department has launched multiple investigations into perceived adversaries of the president, including US officials who concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, Democratic lawmakers, and liberal donors and fundraising groups. Blanche represented Trump in three of the four criminal cases he faced while out of office.

  • Blanche was named acting attorney general last week.
  • Trump fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, reportedly due in part to dissatisfaction with the pace and outcome of cases the president had pushed for.

The players

Todd Blanche

The acting US Attorney General who defended Trump's influence on Justice Department probes and vowed to investigate Iran-related leaks.

Donald Trump

The former US president who Blanche says has the right and duty to influence federal investigations involving individuals or entities he believes should face scrutiny.

Pam Bondi

The former US Attorney General who was fired by Trump, reportedly due in part to dissatisfaction with the pace and outcome of cases the president had pushed for.

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What they’re saying

“We will always investigate leaks of classified information that put soldiers or agents at risk.”

— Todd Blanche, Acting US Attorney General

“It is true that some of them involve men, women and entities that the president in the past has had issues with and believes should be investigated. That is his right and indeed it is his duty to do that, meaning to lead this country.”

— Todd Blanche, Acting US Attorney General

What’s next

The Justice Department is expected to launch investigations into any leaks of classified information related to Iran that could put US personnel at risk.

The takeaway

Blanche's comments underscore the ongoing tensions between the White House and the Justice Department, as well as concerns over the politicization of federal investigations under the Trump administration. The vow to probe Iran-related leaks also highlights the heightened tensions with Iran that the Biden administration is grappling with.