Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Sen. Adam Schiff clashed during a recent hearing, with Blanche denying allegations of self-dealing and accusing the California Democrat of misrepresenting legal and ethics rules.
Schiff pressed Blanche on his involvement in cases related to former President Donald Trump, including the Stormy Daniels, Mar-a-Lago classified documents, and January 6 investigations. Schiff questioned whether Blanche had met with Justice Department ethics lawyers regarding these cases and cited reports of Blanche's comments at CPAC suggesting no conflict of interest in dismissing certain January 6-related cases.
Blanche affirmed that he has recused himself from future litigation or Justice Department business involving these specific suits. However, he refuted Schiff's characterization of his actions and statements regarding recusal and ethical obligations. "You're a lawyer, you know the rules," Blanche told Schiff, asserting that the rules do not require recusal in the specific instances Schiff raised.
Schiff also questioned Blanche about the delayed release of the second volume of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report, suggesting the Justice Department was opposing its availability. Blanche denied any involvement in the decision, stating that a federal judge in Miami, not the Justice Department, has prohibited its release.
Schiff further questioned what had changed in Blanche's professional approach since his time as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, expressing concern that Blanche might be sacrificing his past principles for his current position. Blanche responded that he remains the same person he was as a federal prosecutor.
The exchange drew criticism of Schiff from other legal professionals. Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central California region, stated that "Facts are not Senator Schiff’s strong suit." Former Alabama federal prosecutor Jay Town described Blanche's defense as "excellent."