Todd Blanche's extreme deference to Trump makes him unfit for Attorney General confirmation
Source: Dahlia Lithwick. "Todd Blanche news: Republicans have a chance to do the funniest thing ever.." June 9, 2026. slate.com
The Gist
The author argues that Todd Blanche is too willing to do whatever Trump wants and has already shown he'll bend the law for the president. His involvement in a suspicious $1.8 billion settlement shows he's either corrupt or incompetent, making him unfit to be Attorney General.
Conclusion
Todd Blanche's absolute loyalty to Trump and willingness to engage in questionable legal maneuvers should disqualify him from Senate confirmation as Attorney General
Premises
- Blanche has demonstrated 'absolute fealty' to Trump, first as his personal attorney and now as acting Attorney General
- The $1.776 billion 'slush fund' settlement represents a fraudulent scheme that even blindsided the White House
- Unlike previous Trump AGs who gave him 85-90% compliance, Blanche appears willing to give Trump nearly 100% of what he wants
- Blanche has made serious legal missteps showing both corruption and incompetence
- The settlement amount and timing suggest it's not legitimate legal compensation but rather a vehicle for Trump to benefit himself and his allies
- Republican senators have shown concern about the slush fund, indicating there may be limits to what they'll accept
Assumptions
- Senate Republicans still value some degree of independence in an Attorney General
- There should be meaningful limits on presidential power over the DOJ
- Previous Trump attorneys general maintained at least some professional boundaries
- The settlement represents taxpayer money being misappropriated
- Senate confirmation hearings can effectively expose these issues