Attorney General Todd Blanche Declines Pledge of DOJ Independence from White House

Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Sunday, August 16, that he would not pledge the Justice Department would always act independently of the White House.

Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker, "No, I'm not going to pledge that. And no attorney general should ever pledge that." He argued that pledging independence would mean refusing President Trump's directives, such as a request to go after every violent criminal in this country. Blanche affirmed that he and the Justice Department's prosecutors would act with integrity and prosecute without fear or any sort of favor.

When asked if he would take President Trump's opinions into consideration on individual prosecution decisions, Blanche responded, yes, of course. He insisted that President Trump would never ask me to do something unethical or illegal, he never has, he never will, calling the idea a false narrative. Blanche was sworn in last Monday, August 10, and previously served as President Trump's personal defense attorney.

President Trump has reshaped the DOJ, ousting long-time staffers and installing his former lawyer as attorney general. Blanche also expressed support for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, despite President Trump's recent criticism of her. President Trump's frustration with Pirro stemmed from what happened in that case, according to Blanche.