Donald Trump has fired Pam Bondi and appointed Todd Blanche — the personal criminal defense lawyer who represented him in his hush money trial — as acting Attorney General of the United States.

Blanche spent years defending Trump against federal prosecution. He is now in charge of federal prosecution. That is not a conflict of interest. That is a complete collapse of it.

The Justice Department exists to serve the American people, not to protect the president who appointed its leader. An attorney general who built his career defending Trump from criminal charges cannot credibly oversee investigations, prosecutions, or any case that touches this administration.

Congress has the power to block Blanche's permanent appointment and demand a nominee who will uphold the law independently.

We call on the Senate to reject Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General and restore the independence of the United States Department of Justice.