Trump’s New AG a Champion of Unbridled Presidential Power

The confirmation of Todd Blanche as US Attorney-General marks a significant shift in the relationship between the executive branch and the Justice Department, one that could have far-reaching consequences for the rule of law and the independence of the department.

Blanche’s views on presidential power are not new to his nomination process. As Trump’s private lawyer, he has long argued that the president possesses a nearly limitless right to control the actions of the Justice Department under Article II of the Constitution. This view is rooted in the notion that the executive branch is supreme and should be able to act without interference from Congress or the courts.

This idea flies in the face of decades of precedent, dating back to Watergate, when Americans came to prize a Justice Department that was independent from partisan politics. The notion that the attorney-general is simply the president’s consiglieri undermines the very foundation of our system.

Blanche has already demonstrated his willingness to execute White House orders without regard for their legality or ethics, raising serious questions about the role of Congress in holding the executive branch accountable. Some Republicans argue that Blanche can “quietly talk the president out of bad ideas,” but this ignores the fundamental problem: he has shown a willingness to prioritize loyalty over principle.

The real test of Blanche’s independence will come when faced with a situation where Trump directs him to do something that is clearly illegal or unethical. Will he resign, as he claimed during his confirmation hearing? Or will he continue down the path of complicity, sacrificing the integrity of the Justice Department for the sake of loyalty to the president?

The stakes are high, and the implications extend far beyond the department itself. A Justice Department beholden to the whims of the White House undermines trust in government and erodes the rule of law. It’s a recipe for abuse of power, where the attorney-general becomes merely a tool for the president to settle scores with his enemies.

The historical context of this moment cannot be overstated. We are witnessing a repeat of the same dynamics that led to the Watergate scandal, where President Nixon’s abuse of power was only checked by Congress and the courts. Today, we face a similar crisis of confidence in government, where the executive branch is pushing the boundaries of its authority with impunity.

As Blanche leads the Justice Department, it will be crucial for Congress to hold him accountable and assert its authority over the department. The Senate’s failure to withhold its vote on Blanche’s confirmation was a missed opportunity to reclaim its power and influence over the direction of the Justice Department. But it’s not too late.

The real question now is whether Congress has the will to do what is necessary to protect the integrity of the department and uphold the rule of law. The answer will determine not just the future of the Justice Department but also the very fabric of American democracy itself.

Ultimately, Blanche’s legacy as Attorney-General will be defined by his willingness to stand up for the principles of justice and the rule of law or sacrifice them on the altar of presidential power.