Todd Blanche has been appointed as the acting U.S. attorney general following the dismissal of Pam Bondi by President Donald Trump. Previously, Blanche served as deputy attorney general and was a prominent figure in Trump's criminal defense team, representing him in several high-profile cases, including the New York hush money case that resulted in Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts. A former federal prosecutor, Blanche has extensive legal experience, having worked as a paralegal while attending Brooklyn Law School and later serving as co-chief of the violent crimes unit in the U.S. attorney's office. His legal career includes significant victories, such as successfully arguing for the dismissal of a mortgage fraud case against Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort. Blanche's strategies often aimed to delay legal proceedings until after the 2024 presidential election, leveraging a Justice Department policy that protects sitting presidents from prosecution. His appointment reflects Trump's continued reliance on Blanche's legal acumen as he navigates ongoing legal challenges.