Nobody Even Expects DOJ to Be Independent Anymore
During his confirmation hearing, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche struggled to distance himself from his former role as President Trump's private lawyer. The article argues that the event highlights a decline in the expectation of an independent Justice Department under the current administration.
Why it matters
The erosion of the Justice Department's perceived independence from the executive branch has significant implications for the rule of law and democratic norms in the United States.
At Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing, there was scant support for the once-cherished ideal of dispensing impartial justice.
Win McNamee / Getty July 16, 2026, 1:10 PM ET Share Save The most stunning exchange of Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing to serve as attorney general came in response to an amiable question. Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana, a Republican who appears favorably inclined toward Blanche, asked the nominee whether he considered himself to be the president’s friend.
Blanche, who is currently leading the Justice Department in an interim role, responded: “I’m his lawyer.” Then, perhaps, realizing his mistake, he corrected himself. “ Was his lawyer,” he said. “And now I’m the deputy attorney general.”
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