WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Todd Blanche, a prominent attorney who defended him in a high-profile criminal trial related to hush-money payments, to the position of deputy attorney general. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, played pivotal roles in Trump’s legal defenses, particularly in cases initiated by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith.
Trump lauded Blanche’s capabilities, stating, “Todd is an excellent attorney who will be a crucial leader in the Justice Department, fixing what has been a broken System of Justice for far too long.” If Blanche’s nomination is confirmed by the Senate, he would oversee the daily operations of the Justice Department, an entity Trump plans to significantly reform.
This announcement follows Trump’s selection of Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a staunch supporter, as attorney general. Gaetz, who was once under a Justice Department investigation for sex trafficking but faced no charges, joins other Trump defense team members in high-ranking Justice Department roles.
Emil Bove, another former federal prosecutor, has been named principal associate deputy attorney general. Bove will temporarily assume the deputy attorney general’s responsibilities until Blanche’s confirmation.
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In a move to strengthen his administration’s legal standing, Trump also nominated D. John Sauer as solicitor general. Sauer, known for his role in Trump’s presidential immunity case at the U.S. Supreme Court, brings a wealth of legal experience to the position.
Blanche’s legal acumen was demonstrated in key cases, including the 2020 election interference case in Washington and the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case in Florida. His defense strategy involved delaying proceedings, a tactic that ultimately led to the dismissal of the classified documents case by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. The 2020 case faced delays due to Trump’s immunity claims, which reached the Supreme Court.
The Justice Department is now examining how to conclude these prosecutions, adhering to the policy that sitting presidents cannot be indicted.
Blanche has also successfully defended Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, in a mortgage fraud case, arguing double jeopardy since it was similar to a federal case that led to Manafort’s imprisonment.
Blanche transitioned from being a partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP to start his own practice, driven by the opportunity to represent Trump in significant legal challenges. His career began with roles such as a paralegal and prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, where he developed his expertise.
Emil Bove, who joined Blanche’s firm, has been instrumental in challenging Trump’s hush money conviction. As a prosecutor, Bove was involved in notable cases, including drug trafficking and terrorism-related prosecutions.
