Blanche Emails Show Control Over DOJ Task Force Ahead of AG Hearing

The Senate Judiciary Committee will examine Todd Blanche’s record managing a Justice Department task force created to review prior federal investigations when it holds confirmation hearings this week on his nomination to serve as attorney general.

Emails obtained by American Oversight through public records requests and provided to multiple outlets document Blanche’s actions as deputy attorney general and later acting attorney general. The documents show he scheduled weekly meetings with Edward Martin, assigned investigative lanes to his own deputies, and directed resources toward reviews of cases involving Jan. 6 prosecutions, election administration, and other matters referenced in a Day 1 executive order on alleged law-enforcement weaponization.

Blanche previously represented Donald Trump in three criminal cases. Critics, including American Oversight executive director Chioma Chukwu, argue this history creates conflicts when the same official oversees reviews that could affect those who pursued Trump. A separate federal court ruling in Florida rejected an IRS settlement negotiated during Blanche’s tenure and referred related conduct to bar authorities; that order remains under appeal and has not produced final disciplinary findings.

Supporters point to Blanche’s earlier career as a line prosecutor and supervisor in the Southern District of New York. A letter signed by 77 former DOJ officials from multiple administrations describes his experience as preparation for restoring focus on violent crime and fraud enforcement. An opposing letter organized by Justice Connection and signed by more than 1,200 former employees raises concerns about internal culture and politicization; both letters have been sent to Senate leadership.

The task force has produced reports on FBI assessments of certain religious groups and investigations of anti-abortion activists. Additional reviews, including one concerning a Richmond field office memo, are expected. Much of the subsequent investigative activity has shifted to individual U.S. attorney offices.

Blanche has stated he would follow ethics guidance from career attorneys on recusal questions. No bar association has issued a final sanction against him. The hearings will test whether senators view his management of the task force as evidence of institutional control or as continuation of prior client advocacy.