Todd Blanche, President Trump’s acting attorney general, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, July 14th, 2026, for a nomination hearing that will determine whether he secures the permanent attorney general position. Blanche was confirmed by the Senate as deputy attorney general—the Justice Department’s No. 2 position with nearly all powers of the attorney general—approximately 16 months ago and has served as acting attorney general for several months.

Blanche, a former New York federal prosecutor, white-shoe law partner, and senior Justice Department official, is regarded by supporters as highly qualified for the role. His experience includes defending former President Trump against legal challenges during Biden’s administration, which proponents argue uniquely positions him to implement accountability and reforms within the Justice Department.

However, just two days before the confirmation hearing, Judge Kathleen Williams issued a bar discipline referral against Blanche. Critics, including commentator Mike Davis, argue that the Eleventh Circuit should reverse her order as it has done in similar cases. Davis questioned whether other Justice Department lawyers involved in a $1.8 billion settlement fund to compensate victims of a weaponized justice system—an agreement later abandoned—should face similar disciplinary actions under Williams’ logic.

The controversy highlights tensions surrounding Blanche’s nomination and the broader political and legal battles involving the Justice Department.

Sources