Blanche clashes with CNN host over DOJ duty to defend Trump officials

Attorney General Todd Blanche clashed with CNN host Dana Bash on Sunday over whether the Department of Justice is obligated to defend Trump administration officials, including incoming White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, from congressional investigations. Blanche argued the Constitution requires the DOJ to represent executive branch members before Congress, dismissing Democratic threats of probes following their midterm election sweep as beyond legitimate oversight. He suggested investigations could be launched against Democrats if their rhetoric crosses legal lines. The exchange follows Rep. Robert Garcia's "lawyer up" post targeting Miller, and Blanche cited Sen. Elissa Slotkin's remarks about discouraging conservatives from government work as potentially dangerous. The White House, DOJ, and Garcia's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.