Blanche Fills DOJ Leadership Position in First Post-Bondi Move
Blanche Fills DOJ Leadership Position in First Post-Bondi Move April 9, 2026, 11:58 AM PDT Ben Penn Senior Reporter Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has elevated Justice Department aide and conservative litigator Trent McCotter to a critical role with authority to shape a new leadership vision in the wake of Pam Bondi’s ouster. McCotter, who before rejoining DOJ in January was representing Steve Bannon and challenging corporate diversity policies, was appointed as principal associate deputy attorney general, Blanche announced on X Thursday. It’s a position with considerable behind-the-scenes sway over enforcement and personnel that was last held by Emil Bove. DOJ’s new interim leader also said recently confirmed Fraud Division head Colin McDonald would be “helping Trent” in the deputy AG’s office, indicating the duo will split the day-to-day management responsibilities Blanche held as the department’s No. 2 before he moved up to replace Bondi last week. Blanche had yet to permanent...