Todd Blanche, currently serving as interim United States Attorney General and formerly Donald Trump’s defense lawyer, is facing scrutiny over his alleged loyalty to the former president as he seeks formal confirmation to lead the Department of Justice.

On Wednesday, Republican Senator John Cornyn expressed skepticism about confirming Blanche to the top federal law enforcement position. Cornyn’s remarks came ahead of a key vote scheduled for Thursday, July 30th, 2026, by the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance Blanche’s nomination. This vote is the initial step in a broader Senate debate on his confirmation.

Blanche previously served as deputy attorney general and was Trump’s criminal defense lawyer during the former president’s second term. Despite the concerns voiced by Cornyn, Trump defended Blanche, stating, “Well, all I can say is Todd Blanche is outstanding,” while questioning Cornyn’s motives.

The confirmation process unfolds amid ongoing legal and political challenges involving the Trump administration, including a US judge extending a block on Trump’s $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation' fund, investigations involving California Governor Gavin Newsom by the Department of Justice, and renewed pressure from the Trump administration on the International Criminal Court.

Sources