Blanche Denies Trump-Case Conflicts in Clash With Schiff Over 12 Jan. 6 Dismissals
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 16
Blanche Denies Trump-Case Conflicts in Clash With Schiff Over 12 Jan. 6 Dismissals
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 16
Summary
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Sen. Adam Schiff he had recused himself from future Justice Department matters tied to Trump’s Stormy Daniels, Mar-a-Lago and Jan. 6 cases, rejecting claims of self-dealing.
Schiff argued Blanche was unfit to lead the department, citing reported CPAC remarks, the firing of prosecutors tied to Jan. 6 matters and DOJ moves to vacate convictions for 12 far-right group members.
Blanche answered that ethics rules did not require recusal in the Proud Boys-related dismissals and accused Schiff of misstating both the rules and the timeline, saying the senator was lying about his conduct.
The clash also extended to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s unreleased second report volume, with Blanche saying a Miami federal judge—not DOJ—blocked publication, while Schiff argued the department could have sought its release.
The exchange underscored a broader fight over whether Blanche’s past work for Trump compromises his stewardship of a Justice Department already under scrutiny for politically charged case decisions.