Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he was Donald Trump's lawyer during a Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. [1].
The slip occurred as senators questioned Blanche about his previous professional relationship with the former president to evaluate potential conflicts of interest [1, 3]. Because the Attorney General oversees the nation's top legal office, the distinction between a past and current client relationship is critical for maintaining departmental independence.
While testifying, Blanche was asked about his friendship and professional ties to Trump. He said, "I’m his lawyer," before amending the statement to say, "was his lawyer" [2, 3]. The exchange drew immediate attention from senators and observers, highlighting the tension surrounding his transition from a private defense attorney to a public official.
Blanche previously served as a personal attorney for Trump, a role that placed him at the center of various legal challenges facing the former president [1, 3]. During the hearing, the focus remained on whether those prior ties would influence his decision-making or impartiality while leading the Department of Justice.
The correction was brief, but the initial phrasing sparked a broader discussion regarding the nature of his loyalty and the boundaries of his new role [1, 2]. The Senate continues to assess whether Blanche can effectively separate his previous advocacy for Trump from his duties as the chief law enforcement officer of the U.S. government.
“"I’m his lawyer — was his lawyer."”
This incident underscores the scrutiny facing political appointees who transition from private legal counsel for high-profile political figures to leadership roles in the justice system. The slip suggests a lingering professional identity as a defense attorney, which may fuel concerns among lawmakers regarding the independence of the Department of Justice from executive influence.
