President Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening, June 5, 2026, his intention to nominate Todd Blanche as the permanent Attorney General of the United States [1].
The nomination marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Department of Justice, placing a former personal lawyer of the president at the helm of the nation's top legal office.
Trump made the announcement during a White House dinner in Washington, D.C. [2]. Blanche has served as the acting head of the Justice Department since April 2, 2026 [3]. The move seeks to transition Blanche from his interim role to a permanent appointment to lead the department.
Blanche previously served as a personal attorney for the president before assuming his current role. His tenure as acting Attorney General has been viewed by some as an audition for the permanent position [4].
In a statement regarding his goals for the office, Blanche emphasized his alignment with the administration's agenda. "My priority is executing on the President's priorities and making this country safe again," Blanche said [5].
The nomination comes amid ongoing political tensions. While the president moves forward with the appointment, other friction points remain within the government. Trump recently expressed frustration regarding legislative dynamics, stating, "I'm incensed by Senator Tillis's ultimatum," Trump said [6].
Blanche's primary objective in the role will be to execute the president's stated priorities for national safety, and lead the Department of Justice in implementing those policies [5]. The nomination now moves toward the formal process required for permanent appointment.
“"My priority is executing on the President's priorities and making this country safe again."”
The appointment of Todd Blanche represents a consolidation of loyalty within the Department of Justice. By nominating a former personal lawyer who has already spent months as the acting head of the agency, the administration is ensuring that the legal apparatus of the U.S. government is led by someone intimately familiar with the president's specific legal strategies and priorities.
