Attorney General Todd Blanche declines to pledge DOJ independence from White House

Todd Blanche was confirmed as U.S. attorney general by a 50‑49 Senate vote, with every Democrat opposing the appointment. In an interview on Meet the Press he said he will not make an absolute pledge that the Justice Department will operate independently of the White House, arguing that such a pledge would obligate him to refuse any presidential request. In his first address to Justice Department personnel, Blanche urged cohesion among staff, acknowledged the agency’s reduced workforce, and pledged to enforce the law without fear or favor. He highlighted recent successes against violent crime and drug cartels and said the department would continue to respect the courts amid ongoing disputes over subpoenas and case decisions.