New Attorney General Blanche Vows Integrity in First Address to DOJ Staff

Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed a diminished Justice Department workforce on Thursday, delivering his first public remarks since assuming the agency's top post. Speaking in the department's historic Great Hall, Blanche sought to reassure lawyers and federal agents about the path forward, emphasizing his commitment to leading with integrity.

Blanche acknowledged the challenges facing the department, including recent staff departures and intense public scrutiny. He pledged to uphold the rule of law "without fear or favor" and encouraged employees to share their ideas and voice disagreements. He also conceded that his decisions would not always be perfect, but promised to work diligently and remain open to feedback.

"Everything that I do will not be the right path or the right decision," Blanche said. "No one does that, but I do promise you this: I promise you that I will work as hard as any of you. I promise that I’ll listen to you."

Blanche, who previously served as President Donald Trump's criminal defense attorney before joining the department as deputy attorney general, takes over at a turbulent time. The agency has faced mass firings and resignations, and critics have raised concerns about politically charged investigations being used to target the president's perceived opponents.

His confirmation by the Senate on Saturday was narrow, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition due to worries about politicization. In his speech, Blanche highlighted the department's achievements under the current administration, including efforts against violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang activity.

"It’s easy to focus on the negative or the news story that is critical of something we’re doing," he said. "But do not forget that we have accomplished a tremendous amount of good, positive work in the past year and a half."