1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my outrage over the decision to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General. I simply cannot understand why elected officials would support a nominee whose loyalty appears to be directed first and foremost toward Donald Trump rather than to the Constitution and the American people. Todd Blanche was Donald Trump’s personal defense attorney. That fact alone should have required the utmost scrutiny before placing him in charge of the Department of Justice. Instead, his nomination was advanced on a party line vote despite serious concerns raised about the independence of the Justice Department and his ability to serve the public without political favoritism. The Department of Justice exists to enforce the law fairly and impartially. The Attorney General should serve the Constitution, not any president, political party, or individual. Yet many Americans have watched this administration repeatedly blur that line, making it difficult to believe that Mr. Blanche would act independently after serving as President Trump’s personal lawyer. Reports surrounding his nomination have only heightened those concerns. While changes were made in response to criticism, questions remain about decisions made during his tenure and whether the Department of Justice can truly remain independent under his leadership. These concerns deserve serious answers, not blind partisan support. (Financial Times (https://www.ft.com/content/4bfbce82-52ae-425f-8c11-57b2b30f2de7?utm_source=chatgpt.com)⁠) As my representative, I want to know why you believe this nomination is in the best interest of the American people. Why do you believe someone with such close personal and professional ties to Donald Trump is the right person to lead the nation’s highest law enforcement agency? Why should Americans trust that justice will be administered fairly when the nominee’s recent career has been so closely tied to representing one individual? Public confidence in the Department of Justice depends on its independence. Every action that creates the appearance that political loyalty matters more than the rule of law weakens that confidence. I expect my elected officials to defend our institutions, not enable their politicization. I hope you will explain your position to your constituents and demonstrate that your loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law, not to any one person.