Blanche, other DOJ appointees can take part in political campaigns, memo says
Summary
The Justice Department has changed its rules to allow top political appointees, including the attorney general, to take part in political activities like speaking at rallies and helping with campaigns, as long as they do this as private citizens. This is a shift from previous stricter rules that limited such participation to keep politics separate from the Justice Department.Key Facts
- The memo relaxing rules was sent by Assistant Attorney General Jolene Ann Laurie.
- The new guidance applies to Senate-confirmed appointees such as the attorney general, deputy attorney general, assistant attorneys general, FBI director, and U.S. attorneys.
- These officials can now speak at rallies, canvass for votes, and serve as party delegates or officers when acting as private citizens.
- The change builds on earlier, less strict rules set by former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke at a Republican convention and attended a rally for a Republican candidate, stating these actions were done in his personal capacity.
- Biden-era rules had banned such political activities for non-career appointees even in their personal time.
- The 2024 memo advised appointees to avoid public appearances shortly before elections in any state, when possible.
- The goal of previous rules was to keep the Justice Department politically neutral and independent from election campaigns.
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