Attorney General Todd Blanche's appearance at the Republican midterm convention on Wednesday has drawn criticism from former Justice Department officials and watchdogs who cite a breach of longstanding departmental norms. The speech in Dallas, where Blanche commended President Trump's deportation record, marks what appears to be a first for a sitting attorney general in the modern era.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal defense lawyer, has not shied away from aligning the Justice Department with the president's priorities. During his Senate confirmation, he declined to pledge independence from the president. "I'm not going to pledge that," he stated.
The convention speech comes as the high-profile prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey faces challenges. Comey's legal team argues that his social media post was protected political speech and that the administration pursued him vindictively. The judge has yet to rule on motions to dismiss the case.
Blanche announced a second indictment against Comey in late April, shortly after he assumed the role of acting attorney general. He was confirmed by the Senate in August and is now completing his first full month as attorney general.
Groups like Justice Connection, comprised of former federal prosecutors and DOJ officials, issued a statement before Blanche's remarks, asserting that "The Hatch Act exists for a reason" and that his "job is to enforce the law, not turn the Justice Department into a political prop." Former Attorney General Eric Holder echoed this sentiment, calling Blanche's appearance "unprecedented" and "disgraceful" on NewsNation.
The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment regarding the speech or the ensuing criticism.
Blanche's remarks at the convention, which he delivered in what the Justice Department described as his "personal capacity," focused on what he called making "our country safe again." The convention is scheduled to run through Thursday, with President Trump slated to speak on both evenings. Vice President JD Vance is also scheduled to speak.