Todd Blanche sworn in as attorney general
LATEST DOJ issues memo on executive privilege over private adviser conversations
Todd Blanche has been sworn in as the new Attorney General. The Department of Justice issued a new memo stating President Trump can assert executive privilege over conversations with private advisers. Blanche's confirmation was narrow, with concerns raised about his independence from the former president.
Left-leaning outlets focus on concerns that Blanche will act at Trump's direction and that the DOJ is becoming Trump's personal law firm. Center and center-left outlets emphasize the narrowness of the confirmation vote and President Trump swearing Blanche in.
NOW PLAYING Less than 24 hours after being sworn in, AG Blanche is already proving his loyalty to Trump
Hours after Todd Blanche was sworn in as Attorney General, the DOJ issued a new memo stating President Trump can assert executive privilege over conversations with private advisers. Senior Legal Reporter Lisa Rubin explained that this memo goes beyond congressional investigations and impacts ongoing litigation where the American Bar Association is challenging the administration's actions against law firms. Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance noted that the Attorney General is acting in the President's interests, which is not his job.
This development could shield sensitive communications from investigations and litigation, potentially impacting the administration's accountability and the outcome of legal challenges involving executive privilege.