President-elect Donald Trump has selected Todd Blanche, an attorney who led his legal team during a hush money criminal trial, to serve as the second-highest ranking official at the Justice Department. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, played a significant role in defending Trump in both the New York case that resulted in a conviction and federal cases brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith.
If confirmed by the Senate, Blanche will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Justice Department, which Trump has pledged to revamp. Trump also announced the appointment of Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general and two other members of his defense team to high-ranking Justice Department positions.
Emil Bove, a former federal prosecutor, will serve as acting deputy attorney general until Blanche's confirmation. D. John Sauer, who successfully argued a presidential immunity case before the U.S. Supreme Court, has been chosen as the solicitor general.
Blanche represented Trump in various legal cases, including election interference and hoarding classified documents accusations. He successfully delayed proceedings in these cases, with one being dismissed due to an illegal appointment and the other stalled over claims of presidential immunity.
Blanche also defended Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, in a mortgage fraud case that was ultimately dismissed on double jeopardy grounds. He joined Trump's defense team just before the New York case in which Trump was convicted on multiple felony counts.
Blanche left his previous firm to represent Trump, citing it as an opportunity he could not pass up. With a background in federal prosecution and experience in high-profile cases, Blanche brings a wealth of legal expertise to his new role at the Justice Department.
Originally from the Denver suburbs, Blanche has a legal education from American University and Brooklyn Law School. His career includes serving as a paralegal, law clerk, and prosecutor in the U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York.
Bove, who joined Blanche's firm last year, has been involved in key arguments in Trump's legal battles. As a federal prosecutor, Bove handled several high-profile cases, showcasing his legal acumen and experience.
