WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has nominated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve permanently as the nation’s top law enforcement official, sending the nomination to the Senate and setting up what is expected to be a closely watched confirmation process.
The White House formally submitted Blanche’s nomination on June 8, according to Senate records and White House officials. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and one of Trump’s personal defense attorneys, has served as acting attorney general since April, when Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Trump announced his intention to nominate Blanche during a White House event days before the formal submission. “We are going to make him permanent attorney general,” Trump said, according to video of the event released by a White House aide.
Blanche previously represented Trump in several high-profile criminal cases, including matters involving classified documents and the New York hush-money prosecution. Before joining Trump’s legal team, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York and later worked in private practice.
Since assuming the acting role, Blanche has overseen the Justice Department during a period of significant political and legal scrutiny. His tenure has included reviews of departmental priorities, investigations involving alleged fraud and corruption, and decisions that have drawn both support and criticism from lawmakers.
Republican supporters have praised Blanche’s prosecutorial background and his approach to law enforcement. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley described him as well qualified for the position and cited his experience in both public service and private practice.
Democratic lawmakers, meanwhile, have questioned whether Blanche can maintain the Justice Department’s independence given his previous role as Trump’s personal lawyer. Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized the nomination and said the department must remain free from political influence.
The nomination comes at a time when the administration faces ongoing legal and political disputes over federal law enforcement priorities. Several senators from both parties have indicated they intend to closely examine Blanche’s actions as acting attorney general during upcoming confirmation hearings. Details of the hearing schedule have not yet been announced.
As of June 25, Blanche continued to serve as acting attorney general while awaiting Senate consideration. Republicans hold a narrow majority in the chamber, and confirmation would require Senate approval. The White House has said it expects the nomination process to move forward in the coming weeks.
