More than 1,200 former Justice Department employees signed a letter urging the U.S. Senate to reject acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to permanently lead the department, accusing him of damaging the agency’s workforce and undermining its mission.
Former Justice Department employees speak out
The letter, first reported by MeidasTouch chief Washington correspondent Scott MacFarlane, was signed by former DOJ officials who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
While the signees acknowledged that many would focus on what they described as the “corruption and abuses” overseen during Blanche’s tenure, including “vindictive prosecutions” of President Donald Trump’s political opponents, they argued that another issue deserves equal attention.
The former employees said Blanche has spent months “demonizing” and “undermining” the department’s career workforce, leading to hundreds of what they described as “unlawful” firings and a significant loss of experienced personnel. According to the letter, more than 16,000 Justice Department employees have departed during Blanche’s leadership. The group also criticized what it called the “erasure of accountability for January 6” and the “mishandling of the Epstein files.”
Broader consequences
The letter concludes with a warning about the broader consequences of those actions.
“The consequences of Blanche’s attacks on DOJ’s apolitical workforce radiate beyond the halls of Main Justice, affecting the entire country. They’ve meant that much of the department’s vital work isn’t being done, or isn’t being done as well – leaving communities less safe, Americans’ rights less protected, and our national security more vulnerable,” the letter read.
“The culture of fear Blanche has instilled within DOJ’s workforce must end. Respect for career professionals must return. Would-be job applicants need to believe the Justice Department lives up to the virtue in its name. And instead of exhibiting fealty to the president, the attorney general must heed John Adams’ admonition that our republic remains a ‘government of laws, not of men,’” it continued.
Todd Blanche’s takeover of the Justice Department
Blanche became acting attorney general after succeeding Pam Bondi in April. Trump announced in June that he wants Blanche to remain in the position permanently.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin Blanche’s two-day confirmation hearing on July 15.
