Trump Nominates Todd Blanche as Permanent Attorney General

President Donald Trump formally nominated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as the permanent Attorney General on June 8, 2026. Blanche, a former personal defense lawyer for Trump, has led the Department of Justice in an acting capacity since April 2026 following the firing of Pam Bondi.

Blanche's tenure as acting head has been marked by aggressive legal actions, including the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and the Southern Poverty Law Center. He also signed a memo barring the Internal Revenue Service from auditing Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization as part of a settlement in a $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed against the agency.

Controversy also surrounded a proposed $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund designed to compensate individuals claiming government persecution. While Trump praised the fund, Blanche abandoned the initiative after facing a federal court injunction and bipartisan congressional backlash, with some critics fearing the money would benefit January 6 rioters.

The nomination now moves to the Senate for confirmation. Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley has supported the pick, describing Blanche as well-qualified. However, Democrats and some Republicans have voiced opposition, citing concerns over the politicization of the Justice Department and Blanche's independence from the president.