Attorney General Todd Blanche Refuses Pledge of Justice Department Independence
ContestedRigor 559 sources
The Story
Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge that the Justice Department would always act independently of the White House. When asked by a journalist, Blanche stated, "No, I'm not going to pledge that. And no attorney general should ever pledge that." He justified his stance by saying that if President Trump asked the Department of Justice to pursue violent criminals, pledging independence would mean saying "No, sir, I'm not going to do it." Critics argue that pledging independence does not mean acting in opposition to the president. Blanche's refusal to even mouth the expected platitude is seen as a "Trumpian way" of shattering rules in broad daylight. Blanche made his first appearance since his confirmation on "Meet the Press." He assured the country that Trump had never asked him to do anything unethical or illegal. On Tuesday, Blanche finalized a rule and launched a new process allowing certain people barred from firearm ownership to apply for relief from that prohibition. He stated, "The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to whether they pose a danger to public safety." U.S. Pardon Attorney Edward Martin said roughly 30 million Americans have lost their gun rights. The Justice Department's new process will allow eligible individuals to apply for restoration, though approval will not be automatic. Some groups, including undocumented immigrants, violent felons, and registered sex offenders, will remain presumptively ineligible for relief. Blanche was appointed by Donald Trump and previously served as his criminal defense attorney.
The Spread
Contested
What they agree on
- Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge that the Justice Department would always act independently of the White House.
- Blanche stated that no attorney general should ever make such a pledge.
- On Tuesday, Blanche finalized a rule and launched a new process allowing certain individuals to apply for restoration of their federal gun rights.
- Blanche stated that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to public safety danger.
- Blanche was appointed by Donald Trump and previously served as his criminal defense attorney.
Where they split
- The Bulwark and Salon frame Blanche's refusal to pledge independence as a dangerous and dishonest act that sets the stage for Department of Justice abuses.
- The Independent focuses on Blanche's new rule allowing felons to apply for gun rights restoration, highlighting the specific categories of people affected.
- Reason covers a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision rejecting a Trump administration acting U.S. Attorney appointment, a separate legal development.
- CBS News provides a brief report on Blanche's refusal without extensive commentary or framing.
Source Perspectives
Left2 sources
Center4 sources