Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces increasing scrutiny as he awaits potential confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate, with critics citing his tenure at the Department of Justice (DOJ) as evidence of significant ethical and legal concerns. Blanche, a former personal attorney to former President Donald Trump, has been serving as acting attorney general since April 2, 2026, after previously holding the position of deputy attorney general under then-Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Blanche’s critics argue that his record during the past 17 months at the DOJ demonstrates a pattern of misconduct and questionable decisions, raising questions about his suitability for permanent appointment as the nation's top law enforcement official. A coalition of 101 former state and federal judges, Republicans and Democrats alike, along with two pro-democracy organizations, filed an ethics complaint with the New York State Bar alleging that Blanche has violated fundamental principles of competence, diligence, loyalty, and honesty in his official capacity.

Among the most controversial actions attributed to Blanche is his role in brokering a settlement in Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The deal, which was approved under his watch, established a $1.8 billion fund purportedly to compensate individuals linked to the January 6 Capitol riots who were targeted by investigations from the Biden administration. The settlement also included tax relief for Trump and his business entities, reportedly absolving up to $100 million in liabilities. Recently, a federal judge reopened the case to examine “grievous allegations” that the settlement was obtained through deceptive means.

Blanche has also come under fire for his handling of sensitive documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which former Attorney General Bondi described as mismanaged during congressional testimony. Allegations include the unlawful withholding of millions of pages of documents and the illegal disclosure of victims’ identities, violating bipartisan federal statutes.

Under Blanche’s leadership, the DOJ has launched investigations and prosecutions targeting prominent Democrats, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Adam Schiff, as well as supporters of January 6 investigations, including Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide. Simultaneously, the department has moved to vacate convictions against members of far-right groups involved in the Capitol attack, such as the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.

Reports also highlight a troubling trend of prosecutorial misconduct during Blanche’s tenure, with recent analysis identifying at least 77 judicial rulings condemning DOJ lawyers for violating laws or court orders in cases spanning diverse jurisdictions. One notable example is the dismissal of charges against six Chicago protesters, coupled with an order requiring the government to pay their legal fees due to egregious prosecutorial behavior.

Aside from legal controversies, no federal agents have been held accountable in the deaths of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti, further fueling concerns about the DOJ’s direction.

Despite these concerns, Blanche is reportedly poised for confirmation, relying on the predominantly Republican Senate majority. However, his nomination faces potential opposition from a small faction of Republicans who have distanced themselves from Trump’s influence. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, are seen as potential pivotal votes. Tillis has publicly opposed nominees sympathetic to the January 6 rioters, a designation critics say applies to Blanche, who has boasted at conservative events about purging officials involved in prosecuting Trump and pardoning or commuting sentences for rioters.

With the Senate evenly divided, the outcome of Blanche’s confirmation could hinge on these Republican defections, offering a possible chance for bipartisan resistance. Observers note that senators holding back on support could compel the administration to select a nominee outside the controversial mold of prior appointments linked to Trump’s inner circle.

As debates continue, advocates for the rule of law urge Senate members to weigh Blanche’s record critically in deciding whether to endorse or reject his elevation to attorney general.