Todd Blanche Defends Trump's Authority to Direct Federal Investigations

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche made his first extended public remarks Tuesday since being appointed last week, defending President Donald Trump's authority to influence federal investigations — including those targeting individuals the president believes wronged him.

Speaking at a press conference, Blanche pushed back against claims that the Justice Department is being weaponized against Trump's political opponents. However, he firmly maintained that the president holds both the right and the responsibility to guide the direction of federal probes.

"We have thousands of ongoing investigations and prosecutions happening across the country. Some of them involve individuals the president believes should be investigated. That is his right — and indeed his duty — as the leader of this nation," Blanche stated.

Blanche's appointment follows President Trump's decision to dismiss former Attorney General Pam Bondi, reportedly due to frustration over the pace and outcomes of cases he had been closely watching. Under the current administration, the DOJ has launched investigations into a range of Trump adversaries, including officials tied to the Russia election interference inquiry, Democratic lawmakers, and prominent liberal donors and political fundraising organizations.

Those efforts, however, have faced significant legal pushback. Multiple federal judges and grand juries have blocked or dismissed cases, including two involving former officials James Comey and Letitia James, who had previously investigated Trump.

Blanche, who previously served as Trump's defense attorney in three of his four criminal cases, framed the president's pursuit of these investigations as a quest for accountability, arguing Trump "wants justice" for those he believes exploited the legal system against him.

When asked whether he seeks a permanent nomination as attorney general, Blanche deflected, leaving the decision entirely to Trump and expressing unconditional loyalty to the president regardless of the outcome.