Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, on the 14th (local time) nominated his personal lawyer Todd Blanche as the Deputy Attorney General for his second administration. Following the appointment of his close aide, the 'far-right' Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, placing his chief lawyer who has defended him against judicial risks as the second-in-command is expected to spark controversy during the upcoming confirmation process. Some analysts interpret this as a signal of a full-scale retaliation.
In a statement on the same day, Trump said, "I am pleased to announce that Todd Blanche will serve as Deputy Attorney General in my administration," adding, "Todd is an excellent lawyer and will help fix the judicial system that has been broken for too long as an important leader in the Department of Justice." He also highlighted Blanche's background, mentioning that he graduated from law school with honors and prosecuted gangs and other federal crimes at the Southern District of New York, emphasizing that "he will play a great role in making America great again."
Blanche is one of the personal lawyers who has handled Trump’s criminal cases. He also represented Trump in the so-called 'hush money payment' case related to a sexual misconduct scandal, where Trump became the first former or sitting U.S. president to be convicted in a criminal case. Blanche notably took a strong stance against Michael Cohen, the key prosecution witness at the time.
CNN previously reported on the possibility of Blanche’s appointment as Deputy Attorney General, stating, "He was often seen with Trump or accompanying him on trips in Palm Beach, Florida. Among close aides, it was widely expected that Blanche would join the cabinet due to his friendship and Trump’s trust." Before working as Trump’s personal lawyer, Blanche was a partner at a major white-collar crime law firm. The New York Times (NYT) reported, "Major law firms were largely unwilling to defend Trump, and Blanche left a prestigious firm to represent him," adding, "Blanche’s gamble has now paid off handsomely."
This appointment is seen as a clear indication that Trump plans to launch a full-scale retaliation against his political opponents and wield a sweeping sword over the Department of Justice, which indicted him. Like the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General must be confirmed by the Senate. However, following Trump’s earlier selection of Congressman Matt Gaetz, a key figure in the Republican hardline conservative group ‘Freedom Caucus,’ as Attorney General, this Deputy Attorney General appointment is also expected to stir controversy within the party. Gaetz, a far-right lawmaker who champions America First ideology, is regarded as a divisive figure within the party and has faced allegations including involvement in underage sex trafficking. Major foreign media outlets such as CNN and The Guardian have reported that the congressional confirmation process will not be easy.
Other members of Trump’s legal defense team have also been appointed to key positions. Emile Bove, who defended Trump in a money laundering case, was appointed as the Principal Deputy Attorney General and Acting Deputy Attorney General. The Principal Deputy Attorney General does not require Senate confirmation. Additionally, Trump nominated John Sauer from the legal team as an Assistant Attorney General. Sauer, a former Attorney General of Missouri, argued Trump’s immunity lawsuit.
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