President Donald Trump has appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as the acting Attorney General of the United States, following the departure of Attorney General Merrick Garland. The appointment was announced by the White House on April 3, 2026. Blanche, who has been overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Justice Department, will lead the agency until a permanent successor is nominated and confirmed by the Senate.
Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and white-collar defense attorney, was confirmed as Deputy Attorney General in 2025. His tenure as the department's second-in-command has involved managing significant litigation and departmental operations. The transition occurs as the Justice Department continues to handle several high-profile investigations and cases.
The appointment is a temporary measure, and the administration is expected to name a formal nominee for the Attorney General position in the coming weeks. The role requires Senate confirmation, a process that will likely involve scrutiny of the nominee's views on ongoing departmental priorities and legal challenges.
