Attorney general refuses to pledge independence from president

Todd Blanche, the new US attorney general, refused to promise that the Justice Department would always work independently of the White House. He made this clear on NBC's "Meet the Press" on August 16, 2026. Blanche said he would consider the president's direction in his work. He also said President Trump has never told him to prosecute specific people. Before becoming attorney general, Blanche worked as Trump's personal lawyer. Critics have raised concerns about this close relationship. The attorney general is traditionally expected to act independently from the president. The New York Bar Association later recorded concerns that Blanche had put loyalty to Trump above the rule of law, including in the Epstein investigation.