1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose Todd Blanche’s continued leadership role in the Department of Justice. Mr. Blanche’s conduct demonstrates a profound lack of respect for the rule of law, ethical obligations, and the constitutional duty of the Department of Justice to serve the American people—not any individual. First, Mr. Blanche’s treatment of former pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer is deeply troubling. She was reportedly pressured to approve restoring gun rights to a person convicted of domestic violence and refused to support a decision she believed violated her professional obligations. Regardless of the individual’s wealth, status, or identity, domestic violence is a serious crime, and restoring firearm access requires strict adherence to the law. After she refused, she was fired. Reports also indicate that she was subjected to intimidation efforts, including law enforcement contact at her home. Pressuring an official to take an action she believed was unlawful, retaliating against her for refusing, and attempting to intimidate her into silence are each unacceptable abuses of power. Second, Mr. Blanche’s handling of matters involving Ghislaine Maxwell raises serious concerns. Ms. Maxwell is a convicted child sex trafficker. Her wealth, connections, or past relationships with powerful people should never result in special treatment. A justice system worthy of this country cannot operate under one standard for the wealthy and connected and another for everyone else. The treatment of Epstein and Maxwell’s victims has also been deeply disturbing. Survivors whose private information was exposed—including names and other identifying details—were harmed by repeated releases of information that should have been protected. A single error might be explained as a mistake, but repeated releases of sensitive information raise serious questions about competence, accountability, and whether victims were treated as a priority. These survivors deserve protection, respect, and justice—not additional harm. The reported effort to block further investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico is another major concern. Federal authorities should be leading a thorough investigation into any potential crimes, not preventing accountability. Finally, Mr. Blanche’s conduct in litigation involving the IRS and Donald Trump raises serious questions about whether he is acting as the nation’s attorney or as a personal advocate. In that case, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams criticized the litigation and referred matters involving Mr. Blanche to the New York State Bar for potential disciplinary review. The head of the Department of Justice must represent the United States and uphold the law impartially, not use government power to serve personal or political interests. Any one of these issues would be deeply concerning. Taken together, they demonstrate someone who is unwilling or unable to fulfill the responsibilities of leading the Department of Justice. This is not simply a political disagreement. It is about whether the United States will continue to have a justice system based on equal treatment under the law. By supporting Mr. Blanche, Republican senators are showing that they have abandoned the principle of the rule of law and the Constitution. They are sending the message that there is one standard of justice for the wealthy and powerful and another for ordinary Americans. Please put the Constitution, the independence of the Department of Justice, and the rights of victims and citizens above political loyalty. Mr. Blanche should not be entrusted with this responsibility.