Acting AG Blanche Defends Trump's Right to Influence DOJ Investigations

Blanche dismisses concerns over DOJ targeting Trump's political foes

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:41am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has the 'right' and 'duty' to influence federal investigations, including those involving the president's political opponents who previously investigated him. Blanche, who was recently appointed to the role, rejected the notion that the Justice Department has been improperly targeting Trump's critics.

Why it matters

Blanche's comments raise concerns about the independence and impartiality of the Justice Department, as the head of the DOJ appears to be endorsing the president's ability to sway ongoing investigations for political purposes. This could undermine public trust in the rule of law and the DOJ's ability to carry out its duties without undue influence.

The details

Blanche argued that Trump has the authority to lead the country, which includes influencing federal investigations, even those involving the president's political rivals. He dismissed the idea that the DOJ has been 'weaponized' against Trump's opponents, citing investigations that have targeted the president himself. Blanche, who previously represented Trump in criminal cases, said he would be honored to be nominated as the permanent Attorney General, but would still support Trump if someone else was chosen.

  • Blanche was named acting Attorney General last week, replacing former AG Pam Bondi.
  • Bondi was fired by Trump on Thursday after failing to secure indictments against some of the president's political rivals.

The players

Todd Blanche

The acting Attorney General who defended Trump's right to influence DOJ investigations, including those involving the president's political opponents.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who Blanche says has the 'right' and 'duty' to influence federal investigations, including those targeting his political rivals.

Pam Bondi

The former Attorney General who was fired by Trump on Thursday after failing to secure indictments against some of the president's political rivals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have thousands of ongoing investigations and prosecutions going on in this country right now. 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, and so I do not view this as pressure.”

— Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

“As to whether or not I want this job, I did not ask for this job. I love working for President Trump. It's the greatest honor of a lifetime, and if President Trump chooses to keep me as acting, that's an honor. If he chooses to nominate me, that's an honor. If he chooses to nominate somebody else and asks me to go do something else, I will say, 'Thank you very much. I love you, sir.'”

— Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

What’s next

Trump has not yet signaled a nominee to permanently fill the Attorney General role, but could choose to nominate Blanche or another candidate such as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The takeaway

Blanche's comments raise serious concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and the potential for the president to improperly influence ongoing federal investigations for his own political benefit. This could undermine public trust in the rule of law and the DOJ's ability to operate independently.