{"id":2101,"date":"2026-08-09T01:21:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T01:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=2101"},"modified":"2026-08-09T01:21:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T01:21:04","slug":"trumps-new-a-g-a-champion-of-unbridled-presidential-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=2101","title":{"rendered":"Trump\u2019s new A-G a champion of unbridled presidential power"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align:center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_0.7554%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/t_metro_analysis_no_age_social_wm\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Trump\u2019s new A-G a champion of unbridled presidential power\" title=\"Trump\u2019s new A-G a champion of unbridled presidential power\" \/><\/div><p><\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<header class=\"sc-ad76bc40-0 fNDZoQ\">\n<div class=\"sc-5cbbddda-0 hjlPcO\">\n<div data-testid=\"article-author\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-1 hPBdKJ\">\n<div>\n<p><span class=\"sc-5cbbddda-4 borCAt\">Glenn Thrush<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\"><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\"><time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-08-09T10:39:51+10:00\">August 9, 2026<!-- --> \u2014 10:39am<\/time><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-0 efdRpd noPrint\" data-testid=\"article-actions\">\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-1 iddmiW\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><default:path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"\/><\/default:svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 kskMyR sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-d1b14060-2 jyLmZI iQLtAb\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 yiNod\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqtnv\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqrHP\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<aside class=\"sc-6f94ac39-6 esmrVF\"\/>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p><strong>Washington<\/strong>: The three lame-duck Republican senators who narrowly saved Todd Blanche\u2019s confirmation as US attorney-general ended up backing him because they believed he was the only person who had earned enough trust, and enjoyed enough access, to rein in President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>One issue with that calculation: Blanche is a champion of unbridled presidential power.<\/p>\n<p>Time and again during his turbulent nomination process, Blanche made it unmistakably clear that he believes Trump possesses a nearly limitless right to directly control the actions of the Justice Department under Article II of the Constitution. It is an argument that formed the foundation of his strategy as the president\u2019s criminal defence lawyer and is the lodestar of his government service.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Todd Blanche has sidestepped questions over whether actions Donald Trump ordered were right, saying only that Trump had the right to do them.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Todd Blanche has sidestepped questions over whether actions Donald Trump ordered were right, saying only that Trump had the right to do them.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Bloomberg<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Blanche\u2019s confirmation in the predawn hours of Saturday (Washington time) was largely symbolic: as acting attorney general, he could have served indefinitely. But it represented a powerful endorsement by Congress of the philosophy that has guided him under a meddling, demanding boss \u2013 that he has a constitutional obligation to execute every lawful White House order, even if it shatters long-standing policy and rule-of-law norms, or contradicts what he thinks is right.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>He articulated that view from the moment he took over as acting attorney-general in April, telling reporters that Trump had \u201cthe right\u201d and \u201cduty\u201d to order up <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/trying-to-find-a-crime-trump-rival-newsom-says-he-is-being-investigated-by-justice-department-20260616-p6072t.html\">investigations of people he targets<\/a>. During his confirmation, both in public and in private conversations, Blanche sidestepped questions over whether actions Trump ordered were right, saying only that Trump had the right to do them.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/get-out-of-jail-free-card-trump-lawsuit-deal-bars-tax-probes-against-him-or-his-family-forever-20260520-p5zyus.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3262%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_105%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3262%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_105%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3262%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_105%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3262%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_105%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Trump\u2019s oldest sons, Donald Jr and Eric, have been raking in cash from business deals across the globe.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3262%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_105%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3262%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_105%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3262%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_105%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Barbara McQuade, a University of Michigan Law School professor and former federal prosecutor, said this marked a major break from past administrations. \u201cJust because a president can control the Justice Department does not mean he should,\u201d she said. \u201cSince Watergate, America has prized a Justice Department that is independent from partisan politics.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While Trump and allies such as Blanche have repeatedly accused the Biden White House of ordering up prosecutorial hit jobs against Republicans, they have provided little evidence to support the kind of direct interventions that have become commonplace in Trump\u2019s second term.<\/p>\n<p>In a recent interview, former president Barack Obama said he followed a broad rule of remaining at a distance from the Justice Department to protect its independence, even though he was not legally required to do so.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>\u201cThe White House shouldn\u2019t be able to direct the attorney-general to go around prosecuting whoever the president wants to prosecute,\u201d he said. \u201cThe idea is that the attorney-general is the people\u2019s lawyer. It\u2019s not the president\u2019s consiglieri.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Trump has a different view. Case in point: late on Monday, he <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/don-t-ever-talk-again-trump-loses-his-cool-over-reflecting-pool-fiasco-20260804-p60l5g.html\">browbeat US Attorney Jeanine Pirro<\/a> for withdrawing the indictment of a man accused of defacing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. While the melodramatic showdown was big news, the fact that the president was issuing marching orders to a federal prosecutor was so typical under this administration that it was not noted in most of the coverage.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.358%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_1\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/cdd50311115e99bac7eaf922c66c7bbe0c99ab62, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.358%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_1\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/cdd50311115e99bac7eaf922c66c7bbe0c99ab62 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.358%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_1\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/cdd50311115e99bac7eaf922c66c7bbe0c99ab62, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.358%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_1\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/cdd50311115e99bac7eaf922c66c7bbe0c99ab62 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Trump had threatened to temporarily withdraw Blanche\u2019s nomination until two lawmakers who opposed it were out of office.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.358%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_1\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/cdd50311115e99bac7eaf922c66c7bbe0c99ab62\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.358%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_1\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/cdd50311115e99bac7eaf922c66c7bbe0c99ab62, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.358%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_1\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/cdd50311115e99bac7eaf922c66c7bbe0c99ab62 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Trump had threatened to temporarily withdraw Blanche\u2019s nomination until two lawmakers who opposed it were out of office.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>During Blanche\u2019s confirmation hearing, Democratic senator Chris Coons asked whether the department he was running is \u201cindependent from the White House?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Blanche\u2019s reply: \u201cArticle II of the Constitution gives the power of the executive to President Trump.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>When Coons followed up by asking if he would resign if Trump directed him to do something illegal or unethical, Blanche said: \u201cThat will never happen. But yes, if it were to happen, I\u2019m not going to violate my oath to the Constitution.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While many Republicans raised questions about Blanche\u2019s actions and even his independence during his confirmation, few were willing to withhold, or even leverage, their votes to challenge the boss-employee dynamic Trump has imposed on the department.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.265%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/ac015624a1b0684f825a8c7fd31b5421c562fdba, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.265%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/ac015624a1b0684f825a8c7fd31b5421c562fdba 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.265%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/ac015624a1b0684f825a8c7fd31b5421c562fdba, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.265%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/ac015624a1b0684f825a8c7fd31b5421c562fdba 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bill Cassidy announced on Friday that he would deliver the decisive vote for Blanche\u2019s confirmation.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.265%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/ac015624a1b0684f825a8c7fd31b5421c562fdba\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.265%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/ac015624a1b0684f825a8c7fd31b5421c562fdba, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.265%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/ac015624a1b0684f825a8c7fd31b5421c562fdba 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Bill Cassidy announced on Friday that he would deliver the decisive vote for Blanche\u2019s confirmation.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Rod Lamkey<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cUltimately, decisions are made by the president,\u201d said Republican senator Bill Cassidy, who announced in a floor speech on Friday that he would deliver the decisive vote for Blanche\u2019s confirmation.<\/p>\n<p>The adviser Cassidy consulted before making up his mind was notable. During his speech, he quoted extensively from conversations with William Barr, Trump\u2019s attorney-general in his first term who articulated an expansive view of presidential power in a 2018 memo. <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/trump-says-attorney-general-barr-resigns-20201215-p56njg.html\">Barr quit two years later<\/a> when pressured by Trump to help undermine confidence in the 2020 election.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Barr counselled Cassidy to support Blanche in the belief that he could quietly talk the president out of bad ideas, even though Barr quit rather than comply with Trump\u2019s demands to investigate an election Barr found had been fairly conducted.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/inside-the-showdown-that-saved-a-trump-true-believer-her-job-20260805-p60lj9.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2942%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f5bf1bfda4dc7b0c4e4fd590c8fdaaf1980d2d3f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2942%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/f5bf1bfda4dc7b0c4e4fd590c8fdaaf1980d2d3f 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2942%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f5bf1bfda4dc7b0c4e4fd590c8fdaaf1980d2d3f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2942%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/f5bf1bfda4dc7b0c4e4fd590c8fdaaf1980d2d3f 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, at a news conference in Washington in April.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2942%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f5bf1bfda4dc7b0c4e4fd590c8fdaaf1980d2d3f\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2942%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/f5bf1bfda4dc7b0c4e4fd590c8fdaaf1980d2d3f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2942%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/f5bf1bfda4dc7b0c4e4fd590c8fdaaf1980d2d3f 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Blanche\u2019s experience as Trump\u2019s private lawyer was not a reason to oppose him, Barr told Cassidy \u2013 but an asset. It gave Blanche the capacity to \u201chave tough conversations\u201d and confront Trump with \u201cdifficult truths\u201d that could change his mind, Barr said to him.<\/p>\n<p>Not every Republican bought in to this job description of an attorney-general.<\/p>\n<p>Two Republican women, senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska, said they would vote no on Blanche precisely because he had been unwilling to speak truth to Trump\u2019s power or have enough tough conversations with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Collins, the first Republican to oppose Blanche, said he had taken several actions \u201cthat have further eroded the department\u2019s independence\u201d, including his <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/get-out-of-jail-free-card-trump-lawsuit-deal-bars-tax-probes-against-him-or-his-family-forever-20260520-p5zyus.html\">sign-off on tax protections for the president and his family<\/a> and the attempted indictments of Democratic lawmakers who criticised Trump.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/north-america\/pool-fiasco-reflects-poorly-on-the-morals-of-an-entire-administration-20260804-p60l9n.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.14475123018042646%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/e8b61a1e12e0e4e846e86ff5359ce76674fcf4c2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.14475123018042646%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/e8b61a1e12e0e4e846e86ff5359ce76674fcf4c2 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.14475123018042646%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/e8b61a1e12e0e4e846e86ff5359ce76674fcf4c2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.14475123018042646%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/e8b61a1e12e0e4e846e86ff5359ce76674fcf4c2 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Reflecting Pool is supposed to be a solemn place for visitors between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.14475123018042646%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/e8b61a1e12e0e4e846e86ff5359ce76674fcf4c2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.14475123018042646%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/e8b61a1e12e0e4e846e86ff5359ce76674fcf4c2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.14475123018042646%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_49\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/e8b61a1e12e0e4e846e86ff5359ce76674fcf4c2 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Early on Friday, Murkowski, a consistent and plainspoken Republican critic of Trump, described her no vote as a moment of major historic consequence \u2013 an opportunity to both demonstrate the chamber\u2019s dissatisfaction with Blanche\u2019s obeisance and reclaim the Senate\u2019s authority to influence the department\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe country needs an attorney-general who will check the worst impulses of this administration,\u201d Murkowski said on Friday. \u201cI hope Mr Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Shortly after, Cassidy took to the floor to offer Blanche his support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>The floor fight over Blanche was preceded by a clash in the Senate Judiciary Committee that followed a similar trajectory.<\/p>\n<p>Two lame-duck senators, Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, briefly withheld their support on the Senate judiciary committee over Blanche\u2019s role in a deal to resolve Trump\u2019s lawsuit against the IRS. The ensuing agreement created a $US1.8 billion ($2.5 billion) fund to compensate purported victims of Biden-era abuses at the department and granted Trump sweeping immunity from tax investigations.<\/p>\n<p>Both made it clear, from the start, that they liked Blanche and did not consider his reluctance to challenge Trump to be disqualifying.<\/p>\n<p>They simply wanted him to put in writing his verbal commitment to kill the fund and to include modest limits on the tax provision. Blanche was amenable, but the White House resisted, and Trump threatened to temporarily withdraw Blanche\u2019s nomination until the two lawmakers were out of office.<\/p>\n<p>The president eventually relented, clearing the way for a vote on the floor. But the episode underscored, in the view of critics, the lopsided power dynamic inherent in the partnership between Trump and Blanche.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"article-footer\" class=\"sc-780f6c39-0 fWnQtB\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-1 bhFzjY noPrint\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-2 ksUUFP\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga sc-780f6c39-3 fMMhlQ\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><default:path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"\/><\/default:svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 yEdFV sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-d1b14060-2 jyLmZI iQLtAb\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 iIZygf sc-df8e6ee0-0 noPrint noPrint\" data-an-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-position=\"4\" data-testid=\"from-our-partners-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 weWOF\"><span>From our partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Glenn Thrush August 9, 2026 \u2014 10:39am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Washington: The three lame-duck Republican senators who narrowly saved Todd Blanche\u2019s confirmation as US attorney-general ended up backing him because they believed he was the only person who&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2102,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_0.7554%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/t_metro_analysis_no_age_social_wm\/8ec30b7b19b6eeed6f4e38f20780ed9fc90e4c2d","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[916,367,1864,457,3898],"class_list":["post-2101","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-news","tag-champion","tag-power","tag-presidential","tag-trumps","tag-unbridled"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2101"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2101\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2102"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}