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Attorney General Todd Blanche took to the podium Thursday at Justice Department headquarters to deliver remarks aimed at stabilizing morale among an agency workforce depleted by recent departures and turnover. Speaking in the department’s Great Hall, Blanche sought to reassure federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials that his leadership would prioritize integrity and adherence to the rule of law, marking his first major address since assuming the role.
Blanche’s address came in the aftermath of a contentious confirmation process that highlighted substantial anxieties regarding the agency’s future trajectory under the Republican administration. The attorney general acknowledged his own fallibility while committing to solicit input from department staff and remain receptive to alternative viewpoints on policy matters.
“Everything that I do will not be the right path or the right decision,” Blanche stated, adding that he would nevertheless dedicate himself to hard work and careful listening. The former criminal defense attorney, who represented President Donald Trump in legal proceedings before joining the department as deputy attorney general, emphasized his commitment to upholding the law “without fear or favor.”
The Justice Department has faced significant upheaval under the current administration, with substantial workforce reductions occurring alongside investigations that have prompted external criticism regarding potential political motivation. Blanche secured Senate confirmation early Saturday with the narrowest of margins, with two Republican senators voting against his nomination citing concerns about politicization within the agency.
Blanche highlighted the department’s enforcement efforts against violent crime, drug trafficking, and criminal organizations during the past 18 months. He cautioned staff against fixating on negative media coverage, urging them to recognize accomplishments achieved during his tenure.
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