Trump’s Pick for Attorney General Is Even Worse Than You Think

The hosts of The Bulwark deliver a scathing critique of Todd Blanche’s nomination as Attorney General, arguing that he is not just politically dangerous but demonstrably unfit due to a pattern of ethical breaches, incompetence, and abuse of power. Sarah Longwell and Andrew Weissman expose Blanche’s role in multiple controversial DOJ actions—ranging from the vindictive prosecution of James Comey and Letitia James to the disastrous slush fund scheme and the unethical release of Epstein’s files with victims’ identities exposed. They highlight how Blanche repeatedly made false public statements, such as falsely claiming the Southern Poverty Law Center was a terrorist group, and oversaw cases dismissed by judges for being brought in bad faith. The episode underscores the unprecedented threat Blanche poses to the independence of the DOJ, warning that confirming him would institutionalize political revenge under the guise of law enforcement. The hosts call on Republican senators to stop enabling Trump’s power grab by refusing to rubber-stamp Blanche, framing the confirmation vote as a moral litmus test for the Senate’s integrity. The discussion also reveals the broader dysfunction in the DOJ under Trump’s influence, including obstructing state investigations into police shootings in Minnesota and undermining federal oversight mechanisms. Weissman emphasizes that Blanche’s nomination isn’t just about one man—it’s about a systemic collapse of accountability.