Sen. Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) questioned Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche regarding his independence from former President Donald Trump during a Senate confirmation hearing [1].
The hearing is critical because the Attorney General oversees the Department of Justice, and lawmakers fear a lack of independence could undermine the rule of law.
During the proceedings on July 15, 2026 [2], Masto cited Blanche's prior legal work for Trump as a primary concern. The senator highlighted controversies including the nominee's links to the Trump-fund, Epstein files, and a pardon related to Binance [3, 4, 5].
Blanche faced scrutiny over a specific gaffe in which he described his relationship with the former president. While some reports differ on the exact phrasing, the NY Daily News reported that Blanche said, "I represent Donald Trump" [6]. Other accounts suggest he said he was a lawyer for the former president [7].
Masto emphasized the need for a nonpartisan approach to justice. "We need an Attorney General who can act independently of the President," Masto said [8].
The questioning focused on whether a former defense attorney for a president can transition into the role of the nation's top law enforcement officer without conflict of interest. Lawmakers expressed worry that Blanche's professional history might influence his decision-making process, particularly regarding cases involving his former client.
Blanche's nomination serves as a test for GOP support in the Senate as they weigh the appointment of a close Trump associate to lead the DOJ [9].
“"We need an Attorney General who can act independently of the President."”
The confirmation process for Todd Blanche highlights a fundamental tension between executive loyalty and the traditional independence of the Department of Justice. If confirmed, Blanche's history as a personal attorney for Donald Trump may create a perceived or actual conflict of interest that challenges the DOJ's reputation for impartial prosecution.
