President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday his intent to nominate Todd Blanche, one of his criminal defense attorneys, as deputy attorney general. Trump praised Blanche as “an excellent attorney” who will play a pivotal role in reforming the Justice Department, which he described as “broken for far too long.”
Blanche’s nomination highlights his extensive experience with the Justice Department, contrasting him with former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Trump’s pick for attorney general, who lacks such a background. Trump’s statement noted that Blanche previously served as Chief in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), prosecuting gangs and federal crimes. He also clerked for two federal judges and graduated with honors from law school while working full-time at the SDNY.
Blanche led Trump’s defense during his trial for falsifying business records related to a hush money payment. Trump was convicted on all 34 counts, but Blanche successfully delayed sentencing twice, citing a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The sentencing remains uncertain following Trump’s election win.
Blanche also defended Trump in other high-profile cases, including the federal classified documents case in Florida, which was dismissed after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon ruled special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment illegal. Additionally, Blanche represented Trump in the federal election interference case, where U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan paused proceedings. This pause is viewed as a likely precursor to the case being dropped in light of the election outcome.
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