Blanche Declines to Guarantee Independence From Trump If Confirmed as Attorney General

Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche declined on Sunday to commit to maintaining independence from President Trump if confirmed to lead the Justice Department. Appearing on “Meet the Press,” Blanche acknowledged the president had never requested the prosecution of specific individuals and asserted such requests would never occur. However, he stopped short of guaranteeing full autonomy from the White House. The comments signal potential friction over the department’s traditional operational independence. Blanche’s statements come amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s influence over federal law enforcement. Legal experts note that past attorneys general have faced pressure to align with presidential priorities. The confirmation process is expected to probe the nominee’s stance on politically sensitive cases. Observers view the remarks as a departure from prior DOJ leadership norms. Blanche emphasized his commitment to rule-of-law principles during the interview. Yet his refusal to draw a firm boundary raises questions about future decision-making. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on his nomination next month. Blanche’s answers will likely shape bipartisan reactions to his candidacy. A Justice Department spokesperson declined further comment on the exchange.