DOJ Loosens Political Activity Rules for Senate-Confirmed Appointees
A new internal Justice Department memo exempts Senate-confirmed presidential appointees, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, from strict Hatch Act limits on political conduct. The guidance permits them to speak at political gatherings and endorse or oppose candidates. The change comes as Blanche has appeared at political rallies and events with candidates, and critics say it could further damage trust in the justice system.
The revised guidance is an internal DOJ ethics office memo, reported by PBS News, that updates recurring Hatch Act reminders for employees. It states that presidential appointees confirmed by the Senate, such as Attorney General Todd Blanche, are not bound by the tighter political-conduct limits applied to many other senior officials.
Under the memo, those appointees may speak at political gatherings and take sides for or against candidates. The change departs from prior DOJ practice and arrives as Blanche has attended rallies and official events featuring candidates. Observers quoted in coverage warn it may weaken confidence in the justice system.
The shift could affect how the public perceives DOJ independence, especially in cases involving candidates or political groups. Senate-confirmed appointees may face fewer internal constraints, while career staff and prosecutors could encounter confusion about applicable rules. If political activity by senior officials becomes more visible, some citizens may question whether enforcement decisions are impartial. That erosion of confidence, if it occurs, could influence trust in courts, investigations, and election-related matters.