A top legal adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, Todd Blanche, is reportedly being considered for the role of deputy attorney general. The potential appointment was revealed by CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins on her show, The Source, where she stated that Trump is “seriously considering” naming Blanche to the high-profile position. “Nothing has been finalized or announced,” she added, emphasizing that the decision is not yet official.
Blanche brings a wealth of legal experience to the table, having served in prominent legal roles over his career. He was once co-chief of the violent crimes unit in the Southern District of New York, where he gained experience prosecuting complex cases. In the private sector, Blanche worked at several prestigious law firms, including Cadwalader and Wickersham & Taft, where he represented a roster of high-profile clients, such as Paul Manafort.
His reputation further grew when he became lead attorney for Trump in his criminal case regarding alleged hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. This case brought Blanche national recognition and positioned him as a key figure in Trump’s legal team. In 2023, Blanche was registered as a New York Democrat and was a partner at Wall Street’s oldest law firm.
However, he has since switched his registration to Florida, becoming a Republican, and now operates his own law firm. His proximity to Trump has grown over the years, with Blanche even relocating near Mar-a-Lago. His legal practice is centered on defending Trump, who remains his biggest client. Blanche’s nomination for the role of deputy attorney general would require Senate confirmation if Trump officially nominates him.
This news follows Trump’s announcement that he had nominated Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for the position of attorney general, which has already garnered significant public interest. The timing of this news comes on the heels of a concerning security report. Less than a week ago, it was revealed that Chinese hackers had reportedly targeted Blanche’s cellphone, compromising its security.
Officials investigating the breach described the intrusion as “way worse than the public knows,” highlighting the gravity of the situation. The FBI informed Blanche that the hackers had gained access to both voice recordings and text messages from his phone, raising questions about the potential security risks involved in his close association with Trump’s legal matters.
As Trump’s administration shapes up, the potential addition of Blanche as deputy attorney general would add a seasoned legal expert with a deep understanding of high-stakes cases and connections to the former president’s inner circle.