Under fire as Democrats prepare investigations, Todd Blanche keeps making things easier for those who want to impeach him
Blanche describes his role
Rep. Robert Garcia has urged Trump administration officials, including White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, to seek legal counsel. Blanche responded on Fox News that Miller had a lawyer: himself.
In another appearance, Blanche questioned whether the country could withstand future congressional oversight. He said officials in the administration had him as their lawyer and that he would defend them.
Criticism of his position
CNN’s Dana Bash asked Blanche whether representing officials under congressional investigation was part of his job. He answered that the Constitution made it his responsibility, and said he would also defend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if Hegseth faced impeachment.
Former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade disputed that view. She said the attorney general represents the United States, not individual cabinet officials or the president, and called Blanche’s refusal to do his job grounds for impeachment.
Democrats signal investigations
Rep. Jamie Raskin, expected to chair the House Judiciary Committee, told MS NOW that Blanche could face impeachment hearings when Democrats take control of the House in January. Raskin said he would investigate Blanche and described the Justice Department under his leadership as a “Department of Injustice.”
Reps. Hank Johnson and Deborah Ross also voiced support for impeaching Blanche. Ross said she could not imagine that Democrats would not introduce an impeachment resolution.
Broader allegations and debate
Blanche’s remarks came as he dismissed corruption allegations raised by former Department of Homeland Security official Calley Means. The article also says his comments lent credibility to the possibility that Democratic congressional leaders conducting oversight could face criminal prosecution.
David French of The New York Times called for Blanche’s impeachment shortly before Election Day, arguing that he had corrupted the Justice Department. The article says his column could circulate widely on Capitol Hill in the coming months.
Key points
- Blanche said he would defend administration officials facing congressional investigations.
- Barbara McQuade said the attorney general represents the United States, not individual officials.
- Jamie Raskin said Blanche could face impeachment hearings after Democrats take control of the House in January.
- Hank Johnson and Deborah Ross expressed support for impeaching Blanche.