White House · DOJ · Donald Trump · U.S. · FBI · Axios
Trump's views can factor into prosecutions, Attorney General Todd Blanche confirms
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Attorney General Todd Blanche refused Sunday to pledge the Justice Department's independence from the White House, saying he would consider President Trump's views on individual prosecutions.
Key facts
- Blanche's Sunday interviews capped his first week as attorney general after the Senate confirmed him 50–49
- What he's saying: "No, I'm not going to pledge that," Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press" after Kristen Welker asked whether DOJ would "always act independently" of the White House
- Attorney General Todd Blanche refused Sunday to pledge the Justice Department's independence from the White House, saying he would consider President Trump's views on individual prosecutions
- On "Fox News Sunday," Blanche told Shannon Bream that Trump "would expect me to tell him no" when they disagree legally
Summary
Trump has remade the DOJ, ousting longtime staffers, urging prosecutions of rivals and installing his former lawyer as attorney general. What he's saying: "No, I'm not going to pledge that," Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press" after Kristen Welker asked whether DOJ would "always act independently" of the White House. "And no attorney general should ever pledge that," he added. Blanche said "yes, of course" Trump should have a voice in individual prosecution decisions.