A threat to the ballot box: Why Todd Blanche cannot lead the DOJ

Free and fair elections are the central tenet of American democracy. But President Trump’s decision to nominate his former personal criminal defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, represents a direct, calculated assault on our most sacred right — to have a government that serves the people, not just those who have been elected. By eroding the boundary between independent justice and partisan politics, Blanche’s potential confirmation is a grave threat to our fundamental right to make our voices heard in free and fair elections.

Historically, the Department of Justice (DOJ) played a vital role in defending against election interference, ensuring that the democratic process remains fair, transparent, unbiased and independent. The department is supposed to prioritize the Constitution and the American people over the personal whims of the president. Todd Blanche has consistently demonstrated that he is unwilling to serve in any capacity other than to cater to the president at all costs, even if it means weaponizing the DOJ in favor of Donald Trump’s political and financial agenda. 

Nominating a staunch, sycophantic loyalist as attorney general right before the midterms isn’t a coincidence. It is a nefarious and calculated decision. It’s no secret that undermining the DOJ’s integrity is part of President Trump’s broader playbook to subvert the midterm elections. At Trump’s request, the DOJ has tried to force states into giving up private voter data, despite losing 15 straight court cases over these demands. The department has also dropped critical cases against January 6 rioters who violently tried to overturn the 2020 election results. 

When it comes to Blanche’s actions as acting attorney general, one of the most damning is the secret $1.8 billion slush fund he brokered for the president. He’s refused to rule out payments to Trump campaign donors or those who assaulted law enforcement officers on January 6, sending a clear, dangerous message: engaging in sedition to overturn an election is acceptable — and even rewarded — if it supports the President. This willingness to bastardize the law when it suits the President should immediately disqualify Blanche’s nomination.

We’ve seen what happens when the President gets election results he doesn’t like. When the president rejected the 2020 election results, then-Attorney General Bill Barr refused to validate fraud claims or seize voting machines, which was an essential part of preserving our democracy. We expect Donald Trump to cry voter fraud again if the results are not aligned with his will. For these reasons alone, an independent DOJ is an absolute necessity for the rule of law and for voters. Blanche’s record shows he would cave easily, if not willingly, in the face of political pressure from the president. 

The American public deserves a leader who understands the sanctity of our democracy and serves the people, not just the president. The next attorney general must be someone who will restore integrity, objectivity, and — above all — uncompromising independence to the DOJ. We cannot let our justice system be turned into a weapon for partisan political gain. Our senators must do the right thing for the American people, and our democracy, by refusing to confirm Blanche as the next attorney general. 

Virginia Kase Solomon is the president and CEO of Common Cause.