Todd Blanche

California Gov. Gavin Newsom claims the Justice Department's investigation against him is a politically motivated 'fishing expedition' linked to President Donald Trump, but reports indicate key federal investigations began before Trump's second administration. News organizations cite sources stating at least one inquiry originated in California and was opened during the Biden administration, contradicting Newsom's assertions.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed California Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that the Justice Department is politically targeting him and his wife, stating the governor's assertions are 'not grounded in fact.' Newsom alleged President Donald Trump directed the DOJ to investigate him and his wife due to his potential presidential run, but Blanche declined to comment on ongoing investigations. Federal sources indicated Jennifer Siebel Newsom is under scrutiny, though the DOJ has not confirmed any investigation against Newsom.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed California Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that the Justice Department is politically targeting him and his wife, stating the governor's assertions are not 'grounded in fact.' Newsom alleged the investigation was ordered by President Donald Trump to undermine a potential White House campaign, while the DOJ investigation reportedly involves Jennifer Siebel Newsom's nonprofit and financial matters.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced efforts to combat 'birth tourism' following the Supreme Court's reaffirmation of birthright citizenship. The initiative aims to limit individuals entering the US temporarily for the purpose of giving birth, despite such cases comprising less than 1% of annual US births.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued California over a 2025 law banning semiautomatic machine gun-convertible pistols, including most Glock and Glock-style handguns. The DOJ argues the ban violates the Second Amendment, citing a Supreme Court decision requiring regulations to align with historical firearm traditions. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, prohibits sales of such firearms, which can be converted into fully automatic weapons using devices like the 'Glock switch.'

John Brennan sued the Trump administration to preserve records from investigations he claims are targeting him, seeking to defend against potential vindictive prosecution. The lawsuit names President Donald Trump, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Florida prosecutors as defendants.

The Justice Department sued Virginia after its ban on high-capacity semiautomatic weapons took effect, arguing the law violates the Second Amendment. The lawsuit challenges the definition of 'assault firearms' and claims the regulation lacks historical precedent as outlined in the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision.

A federal judge blocked Virginia from enforcing a law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks during enforcement operations, siding with the Department of Justice in a dispute over federal authority. The judge ruled the law likely violates the Constitution's Supremacy Clause by regulating federal officers.

A federal judge blocked Virginia's law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks during enforcement operations, ruling it violates the Constitution's Supremacy Clause by regulating federal officers. The Department of Justice secured a preliminary injunction to prevent the law from taking effect while legal challenges continue.

A Cleveland church network demands Citizens Bank end funding for private prisons and ICE jails. Southern Ohio faces a push for small nuclear plants to meet data center electricity demand, raising health and safety concerns. The U.S. Department of Justice's leadership is criticized for alleged illegality, including unlawful subpoenas against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Sen. Thom Tillis stated he has a 'positive predisposition' toward Todd Blanche's nomination as Attorney General. President Trump has nominated Blanche for the full-time role, and Tillis, a Senate Judiciary Committee member, will participate in the confirmation process.

Bill Barr, former Attorney General under the first Trump administration, is urging Senate Republicans to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, arguing his close relationship with Trump is a strength. Barr counters criticism that Blanche's role as Trump's defense lawyer creates a conflict of interest, asserting that Blanche's established trust with the president would enable effective leadership at the Justice Department. Blanche faces a challenging confirmation process with uncertain GOP support.

Bill Barr urges Senate Republicans to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, arguing his close relationship with President Trump is a strength rather than a conflict of interest. Barr claims Blanche, a former Trump defense lawyer, will provide effective leadership and confront Trump with hard truths, despite potential challenges in the Senate confirmation process.

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Minnesota for refusing to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The lawsuit alleges Minnesota's noncompliance with USDA requests since May 2026 has enabled potential fraud and waste in SNAP administration. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Kentucky are also being sued for similar reasons.

Three International Criminal Court judges have sued US President Donald Trump and his administration, alleging sanctions were imposed for their work on ICC investigations involving Israel and the United States. A New York federal court has ordered the government to respond to the lawsuit within 60 days.

William Barr, a former attorney general under Donald Trump, has written a lukewarm endorsement of Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, acknowledging Blanche's qualifications but implying Trump's influence makes effective leadership at the Justice Department impossible. Barr emphasizes the need for the DOJ to operate without political interference, a stance that contrasts with Trump's apparent desire for a politically aligned attorney general.

Three International Criminal Court (ICC) judges are suing U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration in a New York federal court, alleging that sanctions like asset freezes and travel bans are punishing them for conducting ICC investigations in Palestine and Afghanistan. The lawsuit claims the sanctions violate judicial independence and target their work on cases involving alleged crimes in those regions.

A US district judge ordered the Department of Justice to submit less-redacted versions of certain documents related to Epstein by July 2 or provide justification. The judge noted that Todd Blanche had 'conceded' a violation of the Transparency Law.

A federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Justice to release additional unredacted Jeffrey Epstein records or explain by July 2 why it cannot. Media legal analyst Katie Phang alleges the DOJ violated the Epstein Act by withholding materials, including emails and documents mentioning President Trump. The DOJ claims Phang should have used a FOIA request, but her lawyers argue such requests were denied.

Over 100 current and former federal judges filed an ethics complaint against Todd Blanche, acting U.S. Attorney General, alleging conflicts of interest due to his prior defense of President Donald Trump in criminal cases. The complaint highlights concerns about Blanche's oversight of investigations into the Epstein Files and his role in Ghislaine Maxwell's prison transfer, which the judges argue compromise his impartiality.

Rep. Jamie Raskin is leading an effort to block the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund through a discharge petition requiring 218 signatures. The No Carte Blanche Act aims to prevent payouts to Jan. 6 Capitol rioters and blocks a provision freeing Trump’s taxes from audits. A previous Senate attempt failed with a 50-49 vote.

The Justice Department issued and then withdrew subpoenas targeting reporters from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, part of a crackdown on media leaks. The subpoenas, which sought grand jury testimony, were rescinded, though the reason remains unclear. Critics condemned the move as a threat to press freedom, while the DOJ emphasized its commitment to investigating national security breaches.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that 455 individuals have been charged in connection with health care fraud schemes targeting taxpayer-funded programs, seeking to defraud them of $6.5 billion.

Republican senators are raising concerns about a Justice Department agreement granting audit immunity to President Donald Trump, his family, and businesses. The deal, part of a broader settlement with the IRS, has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers including John Cornyn, Bill Cassidy, and Susan Collins, who question its scope and potential impact on future audits.

A federal judge denied a request to disqualify top Justice Department officials from overseeing the prosecution of Cole Tomas Allen, who is charged with attempting to kill President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. The judge ruled that the officials' attendance at the event and Jeanine Pirro’s friendship with Trump did not create a conflict of interest.

A federal judge denied a request to disqualify top Justice Department officials from overseeing the prosecution of Cole Tomas Allen, who is charged with attempting to kill President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The judge ruled that neither the officials' attendance at the event nor their potential conflicts of interest justified disqualification, as there was no evidence Allen targeted them or knew they would be present.

A federal judge denied Cole Allen's request to remove Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro from his case related to the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. The ruling ensures these prosecutors remain involved in the legal proceedings against Allen.

John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, withheld support for Trump's immigration spending bill to secure $10 billion in border security reimbursements for Texas. He set conditions for his vote on Trump's attorney general pick and organized fundraisers for GOP candidates excluding Ken Paxton, whom he lost to in a primary. Cornyn expressed concerns about Republican midterm prospects and Trump's influence in the party.

The Justice Department (DOJ) refused a federal judge's demand to confirm a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund is defunct, citing 'serious separation of powers concerns.' Judge Leonie Brinkema blocked the fund and set a seven-day deadline for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and an associate attorney to respond.

A U.S. Justice Department attorney stated that Trump administration officials considered unnecessary a requirement to sign a document under penalty of perjury confirming the termination of a proposed anti-weaponization fund. Judge Leonie Brinkema had ordered three senior officials to affirm the fund's cancellation, but Andrew Block argued the court already had sufficient assurances, citing prior statements from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and others.

The DOJ has refused to provide a signed declaration from acting AG Todd Blanche confirming the abandonment of pursuing President Trump’s 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' The refusal indicates ongoing legal uncertainty regarding the fund's status.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has filed a lawsuit against the D.C. Bar to stop disciplinary action against Jeffrey Clark, a DOJ lawyer who served during the first Trump administration and was recommended for disbarment for making false statements in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. The DOJ claims the D.C. Bar's case is an example of 'weaponization' and has established a $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund to compensate individuals like Clark.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is facing a challenging Senate confirmation process due to concerns from Republican senators about his credibility and independence from President Trump. Senate Republicans criticized him during a private meeting with over 20 GOP lawmakers.

Staff for the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees visited the Texas federal prison facility where Ghislaine Maxwell is held as part of an investigation into her transfer and treatment. Lawmakers expressed doubts about the truthfulness of information provided by prison officials regarding Maxwell's circumstances and raised concerns about her treatment and allegations at the facility.

Todd Blanche is seeking confirmation as attorney general, addressing concerns about the withdrawn Anti-Weaponization Fund and an IRS settlement provision indemnifying President Donald Trump. Republican senators, including those on the Judiciary Committee, have expressed support, with a confirmation hearing scheduled for July 15.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled confirmation hearings for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in mid-July as Republicans weigh support. Concerns remain about a $1.776 billion settlement fund, with senators like Thom Tillis and John Cornyn seeking assurances.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled confirmation hearings for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in mid-July, as Republican senators remain undecided about supporting him. Concerns center on assurances that a controversial $1.776 billion settlement fund will not proceed, with some Republicans seeking further guarantees before voting.

Todd Blanche faces a Senate confirmation hearing for attorney general, with key Republicans like Thom Tillis and John Cornyn withholding final judgment. Tillis will assess the status of the Justice Department's 'anti-weaponization' fund, while Cornyn awaits the hearing to decide his stance. Both senators indicate Blanche has not crossed major red lines, including support for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, stated that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and other Trump administration officials may face subpoenas immediately if a Democratic majority is formed in the House following the midterm elections.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche began a monthlong confirmation process by meeting with Republican Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed positive views about Blanche's career.