EDITORIAL: How acting AG Todd Blanche is delivering a safer, more prosperous America
The sharp drop in violent crime over the past year has been one of the great untold stories of President Trump’s second term. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has played the leading role in it, behind only the president himself. It is one of several achievements for which Blanche has received almost no credit. Here is why every American should be grateful for his service.
Start with the numbers. The FBI’s preliminary 2025 crime data showed violent crime down an estimated 9.3 percent, murder down 18.1 percent, robbery down 18.5 percent, and property crime down 12.4 percent. This is the best one-year decline on record, and it is driven by Blanche’s leadership in focusing DOJ on fighting criminals and backing the police.
Blanche’s work protecting taxpayers has been just as important. Just recently, the department announced the largest health care fraud takedown in its history, charging defendants tied to billion in alleged schemes. Blanche has now helped lead the Administration’s successful anti-fraud work, which Senate sources tell us is now polling as the number one issue for Republicans.
Blanche has been just as effective defending the administration in court. While every day it seems like some Resistance judge comes up with some new novel theory of standing to undermine the Trump Administration, what matters most is the Administration’s record at the Supreme Court. And at the Supreme Court, Blanche has a nearly flawless record.
And even more consequential, DOJ’s work in implementing the President’s immigration agenda has been groundbreaking. Border crossings are at nearly zero. Migrants are self-deporting rather than getting sent to Congo. We are having a net outflow of immigrants for the first time in recent history.
As former Senate staffers, we also want to speak to Blanche’s recent high-profile meeting with Senate Republicans. The media reported the friction and opposition to the settlement fund, which our sources tell us was true. However, what was less reported was that many Senators came away with an affinity for Blanche and more respect for him. They still oppose the fund–but they believe Blanche is a man of integrity who heard them out and shot straight. That type of trust and relationship will pay dividends over the next three years.
We have no insight as to whether President Trump will nominate Blanche for the job permanently. However, based on the results, Americans would be fortunate to have Blanche continue to serve. America is safer and more prosperous because of his leadership, and for that we are thankful.
