By Sarah N. Lynch
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Todd Blanche, the criminal defense attorney nominated by President Donald Trump for the position of deputy attorney general, sidestepped queries from lawmakers regarding his potential recusal from a Justice Department probe into the handling of federal and state criminal prosecutions related to Trump.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s defense counsel in various cases, notably evaded a direct response when pressed by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff from California on whether he would step aside from overseeing a newly established “weaponization working group” spearheaded by Attorney General Pam Bondi. This group, formed last week, is tasked with examining two criminal cases involving Trump brought forth by former Special Counsel Jack Smith – one concerning the retention of classified documents and alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election, and the other related to Trump’s conviction in New York for falsifying records to conceal payments made to a porn star.
Schiff raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, pointing out Blanche’s previous legal representation of Trump in these cases. “Isn’t it a clear conflict of interest? You represented him in these cases,” Schiff remarked to Blanche. In response, Blanche stated, “I don’t know the specifics of the work. Conflicts will arise, and I am committed to upholding my ethical obligations.” He assured that he would seek guidance from the department’s career ethics officials to navigate such ethical dilemmas.
The Trump administration has drawn criticism for its actions targeting ethics officials across various government agencies. Notably, Trump dismissed the head of the Office of Government Ethics earlier this week. Moreover, the Justice Department’s acting leadership reassigned the department’s long-serving ethics official to a different working group focused on sanctuary cities and immigration matters.
Emil Bove, Blanche’s former law partner and a co-counsel for Trump, is poised to assume a key role as Blanche’s top deputy if the nomination is confirmed. Bove has been involved in decisions to dismiss prosecutors and FBI personnel linked to investigations into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot by Trump supporters.
Stressing his commitment to impartiality, Blanche asserted during the hearing that he would refrain from pursuing politically motivated prosecutions if appointed. “Political prosecutions must not be tolerated,” Blanche affirmed.
(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
