Trump Taps Former Defense Lawyer Blanche as Acting Attorney General

Blanche, who represented Trump in several high-profile criminal cases, will now lead the Justice Department.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:05pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a government building or courthouse, with warm light streaming in through the windows and deep shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease about the implications of this political appointment.The appointment of Trump's former defense lawyer to lead the Justice Department raises questions about the department's independence and integrity.Manhattan Today

President Donald Trump has elevated his former criminal defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, to the role of acting U.S. Attorney General. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, led Trump's defense team in several cases, including the hush money case that ended in Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts. As deputy attorney general, Blanche oversaw the Justice Department's day-to-day operations and became a vocal public defender of the department.

Why it matters

Blanche's appointment raises concerns about the independence and integrity of the Justice Department, given his close ties to and previous representation of President Trump in high-profile criminal cases. There are questions about whether Blanche will be able to objectively and fairly oversee the department's work, especially any ongoing investigations involving the former president.

The details

Blanche, 51, worked as a paralegal at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan while attending Brooklyn Law School at night. He later served as a federal prosecutor for eight years, including two years as co-chief of the office's violent crimes unit. In private practice, Blanche represented Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and successfully got a mortgage fraud case against him dismissed. Blanche then joined Trump's defense team just prior to the former president's arraignment in the hush money case, which ended in Trump's conviction. Despite the conviction, Trump was impressed with Blanche's performance and rewarded him with a prominent role in the Justice Department.

  • In 2023, Blanche left his law firm to represent Trump.
  • In 2024, Blanche sat alongside Trump as a Manhattan judge sentenced the president-elect to no punishment in the hush-money case.
  • Ten days before Trump returned to office, Blanche was elevated to acting Attorney General.

The players

Todd Blanche

A former federal prosecutor and law firm partner who led Trump's criminal defense team, representing the former president in several high-profile cases.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who elevated Blanche to the role of acting Attorney General after Blanche successfully defended him in several criminal cases.

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 a pair of federal cases against Trump that were later abandoned.

Paul Manafort

Trump's former campaign chairman whom Blanche represented and successfully got a mortgage fraud case against him dismissed.

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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 Defense 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, Trump's Defense Lawyer

“A very talented and respected Legal Mind.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Blanche will lead the Justice Department and whether he will be able to maintain its independence and integrity given his close ties to the former president.

The takeaway

Blanche's appointment as acting Attorney General raises serious concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and the potential for conflicts of interest, given his previous role as Trump's defense lawyer in several high-profile criminal cases.