Todd Blanche is more dangerous as Attorney General than Pam Bondi due to his federal expertise and willingness to abuse prosecutorial power
Source: Dahlia Lithwick. "Trump news: Is Todd Blanche a worse attorney general than Pam Bondi?." May 4, 2026. slate.com
The Gist
The author argues that Todd Blanche is worse than Pam Bondi as Attorney General because he's a skilled federal prosecutor who's willing to abuse his expertise for Trump's political benefit. Unlike Bondi, Blanche knows the system well enough to cause real damage while filing bogus cases to show loyalty.
Conclusion
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche poses a greater threat to the rule of law and Department of Justice than his predecessor Pam Bondi
Premises
- Blanche has superior legal skills and federal system experience, having worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York and at reputable Big Law firms
- Blanche demonstrates willingness to file charges he knows will fail, following Trump's 'win by losing' strategy to show loyalty and energize the MAGA base
- Blanche violates federal prosecution principles by bringing cases without believing evidence is sufficient for conviction, as seen in the Comey and Southern Poverty Law Center cases
- Blanche's legal filings contain unprofessional language and political rhetoric designed to please Trump rather than persuade courts
- Blanche learned from Bondi's firing that Trump demands more aggressive prosecution, making him more ruthless in his approach
Assumptions
- Federal prosecution principles requiring probable conviction should constrain prosecutorial decisions
- Professional legal standards should govern DOJ filings and conduct
- Prosecutorial power should not be used for political purposes or personal loyalty
- Competent lawyers with federal experience are more dangerous when they abuse their position than less experienced ones