Donald Trump has tapped three criminal defense lawyers for top roles at the Department of Justice, signaling how the president-elect may be shaping the nation’s law enforcement agency to align with his interests. The nominations have drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and political figures, who warn of potential interference at the traditionally independent agency. Critics suggest this could shift the DOJ’s focus from impartial justice to serving the president’s political agenda, undermining its long-standing independence.
Blanche and Bove: Key DOJ Nominees
On Thursday, Trump announced his intent to nominate Todd Blanche as U.S. deputy attorney general and Emil Boveas the principal associate deputy attorney general. While Blanche awaits Senate confirmation, Bove will serve as acting deputy attorney general. Both lawyers previously defended Trump in high-profile cases, including the New York hush-money trial, where Trump faced accusations of paying off women to keep quiet about alleged affairs, and the federal election subversion case, which involved allegations of undermining the electoral process.
Trump’s contentious history with the Justice Department during his first term included frequent attacks on its leadership, particularly for not shielding him from investigations like Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian election interference. His latest appointments, involving close allies and former defenders, signal his intent to reshape the department’s role in his favor.
Jay Clayton and the Powerful SDNY Role
Trump has also nominated Jay Clayton, the former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). This position is among the most powerful in the DOJ, overseeing Wall Street and handling major cases, including the ongoing corruption investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the sex-trafficking case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Clayton’s prior association with the SDNY was mired in controversy in 2020 when then-Attorney General William Barr attempted to remove Geoffrey Berman, who was investigating figures close to Trump. Critics labeled Berman’s removal as political interference. Clayton’s new nomination is likely to face intense scrutiny, with concerns about whether the SDNY’s independence can be maintained under his leadership.
Sauer and Expanding Presidential Power
Another critical nomination is Dean John Sauer as solicitor general. Sauer, a staunch advocate of presidential immunity, previously argued before the Supreme Court that a president could hypothetically order extreme actions without legal repercussions. His nomination has reignited fears about the expansion of executive power and its implications for judicial independence.
Critics Sound the Alarm on Weaponization
Trump’s nominations have sparked intense backlash from Democrats and legal experts who argue these choices could undermine the DOJ’s role as an impartial enforcer of justice. Senator Dick Durbin, the outgoing chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called the appointments a “clear signal” that Trump intends to use the DOJ as a political weapon.
“These picks aren’t just troubling—they’re a clear signal that Donald Trump intends to use the Justice Department to settle scores and consolidate power,” Durbin said. “The American people deserve a department that ensures equal justice under the law. This lineup suggests anything but that.”
During Trump’s first term, the DOJ faced internal turmoil over his attempts to influence its operations. Senior officials threatened to resign en masse after the 2020 election when Trump pressured the department to declare mass voter fraud without evidence.
A Crucial Test for the DOJ’s Independence
Trump’s latest nominations come as he battles ongoing legal challenges, including investigations into his business dealings and alleged election interference. Critics argue that installing loyalists in key DOJ roles could erode public trust and compromise the agency’s ability to function independently.
With Senate confirmation battles on the horizon, the stakes are high for Trump’s administration and the integrity of the justice system. These appointments may set a new precedent for how the DOJ operates under executive influence, putting its independence to the test.