Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Delaware) accused Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of acting as President Donald Trump’s personal attorney during a congressional hearing.
The confrontation centers on the perceived independence of the Justice Department and the potential use of federal resources to benefit political allies of the administration.
Van Hollen questioned the management of a $1.8 billion [1] DOJ fund. While the fund is described by some as an "anti-weaponization" initiative [1], opponents characterize it as a slush fund designed to channel taxpayer money to Trump-aligned groups [2].
During the testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Van Hollen said, "You're acting like Trump's personal attorney" [2]. He said Blanche is turning the Justice Department into a slush fund for the president’s allies [3].
Van Hollen said Blanche was using his position to protect the interests of the president rather than acting independently as the head of the U.S. Justice Department [2]. The senator said the allocation of the $1.8 billion [1] fund demonstrates a lack of impartiality in the agency's leadership.
Blanche's testimony occurred amid broader scrutiny regarding how the Justice Department handles internal funds and whether those funds are used to target political opponents or reward supporters. The hearing highlighted the tension between the executive branch's authority and congressional oversight of the DOJ budget.
“"You're acting like Trump's personal attorney."”
The clash reflects a fundamental disagreement over the role of the Attorney General. While the administration views the 'anti-weaponization' fund as a necessary tool to correct perceived institutional biases, critics see it as a breach of the traditional wall between the White House and the DOJ, potentially compromising the department's legal neutrality.
