1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to oppose the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States. My opposition rests on a few specific concerns: A fundamental conflict of interest. Mr. Blanche served as President Trump’s personal defense attorney before joining the Department of Justice. Having someone who so recently represented the President’s personal legal interests now lead the agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting matters that may touch the President undermines the independence the office requires. His record as Deputy and Acting Attorney General. During his time in these roles, the Department has faced serious scrutiny, including over its handling of the Epstein files, the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, the family and friends civil immunity, and subpoenas seeking to compel New York Times reporters to testify before a grand jury — a move that raises real press-freedom concerns. The firing of DOJ pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer. Ms. Oyer has stated she was dismissed shortly after declining to endorse restoring gun rights to a man with a domestic violence conviction. If accurate, this suggests a willingness to remove career officials who decline to follow politically convenient directions rather than the law. His answers to the Judiciary Committee. I was troubled by reporting on his written responses to senators’ questions, which struck me as evasive on basic matters of accountability and independence from the White House. The Attorney General must be, and must be seen to be, independent of the President’s personal interests. I do not believe Mr. Blanche’s record demonstrates that independence, and I ask you to vote against his confirmation. Thank you for your time and for representing Pennsylvania in the Senate. I would appreciate hearing your position on this nomination.