The Trump Justice Department has experienced a tumultuous week, starting with the arraignment of an alleged presidential assassin on Monday. Just a day after charges were filed against Cole Tomas Allen, who prosecutors claim attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the department shifted focus to a new target: former FBI Director James Comey. Comey now faces a second set of questionable federal charges, this time for allegedly threatening the president with a message composed of seashells. Overseeing these developments is acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, formerly Trump's personal lawyer. Blanche, who served as deputy attorney general, assumed the top role temporarily after his predecessor, Pam Bondi, was fired earlier this month. Now, he is auditioning for the permanent position.
Blanche's Performance Under Pressure
According to CNN's chief legal affairs correspondent Paula Reid, the job is Blanche's to lose. In an interview with Today, Explained co-host Noel King, Reid discussed Blanche's journey, his performance so far, and how Trump administration insiders and the MAGA movement perceive him. Reid noted that Blanche has effectively met the moment, particularly in handling the aftermath of the Correspondents' Dinner shooting. Unlike previous self-inflicted controversies within the Trump Justice Department—such as the handling of the Epstein files and controversial firings—this external crisis required a textbook response. Blanche appeared on Sunday shows, took questions, and addressed the media after Monday's arraignment.
How Blanche Rose to the Acting Role
Blanche began his career as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York before transitioning to white-collar criminal defense. He joined Trump's legal team in 2023, during the height of four major legal cases. Blanche worked on the two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith and represented Trump in the New York hush money case. What set Blanche apart from other Trump lawyers was his ability to thrive. Although his client was convicted in New York, Blanche kept Trump out of jail, and the legal strategy on the federal cases resulted in Trump never facing trial. In Trump's view, Blanche is the lawyer who kept him out of jail.
Challenges and MAGA Skepticism
Since becoming acting attorney general, Blanche has been highly active. Reid interviewed over a dozen high-level DOJ officials, some of whom do not personally favor Blanche. However, there is a consensus that the job is his to lose, provided he delivers on the president's demand for prosecuting political adversaries—a task complicated by judicial and grand jury reluctance. Two main criticisms of Blanche are that he is "not MAGA enough" and that he has not resolved the "original sin" of the Epstein files mishandling. Despite these concerns, even critics acknowledge his competence as acting attorney general. One administration official noted that while the Epstein files remain an embarrassment, this is unlikely to disqualify Blanche in Trump's eyes.
Competition for the Top Job
While Blanche appears to be the frontrunner, other candidates are vying for the position. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro has been mentioned as a potential contender. Following the shooting, Pirro held a press conference where she aggressively cited specific statutes, which some interpreted as one-upmanship. With over two years remaining in the administration, there is ample time for multiple attorneys general if Blanche does not stay in the role. The position remains challenging under any administration, but the Trump administration presents unique obstacles.
