Trump Lawyer Todd Blanche Elevated to Acting Attorney General

Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, led Trump's criminal defense team and now takes over the Justice Department.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:18am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a government building or courthouse in warm, golden light, with deep shadows and a sense of solitude, conceptually representing the political tensions surrounding the Justice Department's leadership change.The appointment of Trump's former lawyer to lead the Justice Department raises concerns about the department's independence and potential political interference.Manhattan Today

President Donald Trump has elevated his former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, rose to prominence representing Trump in high-profile criminal cases, including the hush money case that ended in Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts. As deputy attorney general, Blanche managed the Justice Department's day-to-day operations and became one of its most vocal defenders.

Why it matters

Blanche's appointment to the top Justice Department role raises concerns about the potential for political interference and the erosion of the department's independence. His close ties to Trump and his successful legal strategies to delay cases until after the 2024 election have drawn criticism from those who fear the department may now be used to protect the president and his allies.

The details

Blanche, 51, attended Brooklyn Law School and worked as a federal prosecutor for eight years before entering private practice. He represented Trump in several high-profile cases, including the hush money case in New York and two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith. Blanche's legal strategies focused heavily on delaying the cases until after the 2024 election, which Trump won. As deputy attorney general, Blanche oversaw the Justice Department's day-to-day operations and became a vocal defender of the department.

  • In September 2017, Blanche joined the law firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP as a partner.
  • In 2023, Blanche left Cadwalader to represent Trump in the hush money case and other matters.
  • Ten days before Trump's return to office, Blanche appeared alongside the president-elect at Mar-a-Lago as a Manhattan judge sentenced Trump to no punishment in the hush money case.
  • On April 3, 2026, President Trump elevated Blanche from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general.

The players

Todd Blanche

A 51-year-old former federal prosecutor who rose to prominence representing President Donald Trump in high-profile criminal cases. Blanche was recently elevated from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who appointed Blanche as his personal lawyer and has now elevated him to lead the Justice Department as acting attorney general.

Pam Bondi

The former attorney general under whom Blanche served as deputy attorney general, overseeing the Justice Department's day-to-day operations.

Jack Smith

The special counsel who brought two federal cases against Trump that Blanche successfully delayed until after the 2024 election.

Emil Bove

Another of Trump's defense lawyers who was nominated by the former president to be a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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What they’re saying

“The majority of the American people also agree that this case should not have been brought.”

— Todd Blanche, Trump's Lawyer

“I have been asked to represent Trump in the recently charged DA case, and after much thought/consideration, I have decided it is the best thing for me to do and an opportunity I should not pass up.”

— Todd Blanche, Former Partner, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

“Todd Blanche is a very talented and respected Legal Mind.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The Justice Department under Blanche's leadership will likely face increased scrutiny and calls for independence, as critics worry the department may be used to protect the president and his allies.

The takeaway

Blanche's appointment as acting attorney general raises serious concerns about the potential for political interference in the Justice Department and the erosion of its traditional independence. His close ties to Trump and his successful legal strategies to delay cases until after the 2024 election have drawn criticism from those who fear the department may now be used to shield the president and his allies from accountability.