Trump Picks Ex-Lawyer Blanche as Acting Attorney General

Blanche, who defended Trump in criminal cases, will now lead the Justice Department.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:22am

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A fractured, abstract painting in navy, red, and gold hues depicting the silhouette of a government building and a figure in motion, conceptually representing the politicization of the Justice Department.The appointment of Trump's former defense lawyer as acting attorney general raises concerns about the Justice Department's independence and ability to impartially investigate cases involving the former president.Manhattan Today

President Donald Trump has elevated his former criminal defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, to serve as acting U.S. Attorney General. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, represented Trump in high-profile cases including the New York hush money case and federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith. As deputy attorney general, Blanche managed the Justice Department's day-to-day operations and became one of its most vocal public defenders.

Why it matters

Blanche's appointment raises concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department, as he has a history of defending Trump in criminal cases. His elevation to the top law enforcement position raises questions about the department's independence and ability to impartially investigate and prosecute cases, especially those involving the former president.

The details

Blanche, 51, previously worked as a federal prosecutor and law firm partner before joining Trump's defense team in 2023. He successfully got a mortgage fraud case against Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, dismissed in the same New York court where Trump was convicted. Despite Trump's conviction in the hush money case, the president-elect was impressed by Blanche's tenacity and poise, and rewarded him with a prominent role in the Justice Department.

  • In 2023, Blanche left his law firm to represent Trump in the hush money case and other criminal matters.
  • Ten days before Trump returned 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 2, 2026, President Trump elevated Blanche from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general.

The players

Todd Blanche

A former federal prosecutor and law firm partner who represented President Donald Trump in criminal cases, including the New York hush money case and federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith. Blanche was recently elevated by Trump from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who was convicted of 34 felony counts in the New York hush money case but was not punished. Trump later appointed Blanche, his former criminal defense lawyer, to serve as acting attorney general.

Pam Bondi

The former attorney general of the United States, who worked with Blanche when he served as the Justice Department's deputy attorney general.

Paul Manafort

Trump's former campaign chairman, whom Blanche successfully defended against a mortgage fraud case in New York.

Jack Smith

The special counsel who brought federal cases against Trump that Blanche's defense team was able to delay until after the 2024 election, when Trump won and the cases were abandoned.

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What they’re saying

“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 Cadwalader partner

“The majority of the American people also agree that this case should not have been brought. The American voters got a chance to see and decide for themselves whether this was the kind of case that should've been brought, and they decided.”

— Todd Blanche, Trump's defense lawyer

“Todd Blanche is a very talented and respected Legal Mind. I am honored to have him join my Administration as Acting Attorney General.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The Justice Department under Blanche's leadership is expected to face increased scrutiny and criticism over its independence and ability to impartially investigate and prosecute cases, especially those involving the former president.

The takeaway

Blanche's appointment as acting attorney general underscores the Trump administration's continued efforts to exert control over the Justice Department and raises concerns about the politicization of the nation's top law enforcement agency.