Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has voted against the nomination of Todd Blanche for the position of Deputy Attorney General. Durbin expressed his concerns about the independence that Mr. Blanche would bring to the role, given his history as President Trump's personal criminal defense attorney since 2023.

Durbin addressed these issues in a speech on the Senate floor before Mr. Blanche's confirmation vote. He criticized what he described as the "weaponization of the justice system" under President Trump and questioned whether Mr. Blanche could maintain necessary independence from the President and his allies at the Justice Department.

Durbin noted that while there is no indication that Mr. Blanche acted unethically or unprofessionally, his previous representation of President Trump in various legal matters raises questions about his impartiality. These cases include defending Trump during a hush money prosecution where Trump was convicted on 34 counts, and during investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith concerning mishandling classified documents and involvement in the January 6 insurrection.

Durbin recalled January 6, 2021, when "a solemn constitutional proceeding was disrupted here in this Capitol," attributing responsibility to a mob incited by President Trump. Despite Mr. Blanche’s court filing stating "Not a shred of evidence suggests President Trump called for any violence…in fact President Trump clearly and repeatedly called for ‘peaceful and patriotic’ assembly," Durbin argued that neither Trump's conduct nor that of his supporters on that day was peaceful or patriotic.

Further expressing disappointment, Durbin highlighted Mr. Blanche's refusal to condemn blanket pardons issued by President Trump for those involved in the January 6 insurrection and noted Mr. Blanche's apparent belief in conspiracy theories regarding FBI involvement in the events.

Additionally, Durbin criticized Mr. Blanche's reluctance to commit to keeping confidential the names of FBI agents involved with cases related to January 6 rioters, despite threats against these agents from some individuals already pardoned by President Trump.

"This is extremely dangerous," Durbin stated, referring to potential retribution against law enforcement officials by individuals emboldened by presidential pardons.

In conclusion, Durbin asserted that since taking office, President Trump has already engaged in actions that compromise justice and emphasized his belief that Mr. Blanche lacks the independence required to prevent further such actions.