Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Thursday he was “honored” by President Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate him for the position permanently.
“Obviously, I’m honored and humbled that the president indicated he is going to nominate me,” he told reporters at a press conference in Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. Blanche was elevated to lead the Justice Department on an acting basis in April after President Trump fired Pam Bondi, and the president said at a dinner on Wednesday night that he intends to nominate him to the full-time position.
“We are going to make him permanent attorney general,” President Trump said at the Rose Garden event.
Mr. Blanche, who previously worked as the president’s personal attorney, quickly positioned himself for the permanent role after taking over the DOJ.
He accelerated investigations into the president’s political adversaries and announced a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate alleged victims of “lawfare and weaponization” under Democratic administrations.
The fund, however, was roundly criticized on Capitol Hill, infuriating the same Republican senators whom he will need to win over to get confirmed.
Mr. Blanche told lawmakers on Tuesday the Justice Department would not move forward with the fund.
“I have a good relationship with the Senate on both sides.
I don’t say no to phone calls.
I’ll meet with anybody that wants to meet with me,” Mr. Blanche said. “I’m looking forward to working with the senators and giving them the information they need through the confirmation process.”
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