Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is facing a formal complaint filed with the Attorney Grievance Committee of the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division. The 69-page document alleges multiple violations of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct and requests an investigation into Blanche’s actions during his tenure.
The complaint, submitted by Lawyers Defending American Democracy in partnership with the Democracy Defenders Fund, outlines several concerns regarding Blanche’s conduct. Among the allegations are claims that he failed to competently and diligently represent the United States, participated in matters he was previously involved with during private practice, and attempted to assist President Donald Trump in circumventing legal limits related to tax audits and potential claims against him and his businesses. Additionally, the complaint accuses Blanche of engaging in deceptive practices that were prejudicial to the administration of justice. ([ldad.org](https://ldad.org/letters-briefs/complaint-todd-blanche?utm_source=openai))
Further scrutiny has been directed at Blanche’s involvement in the Department of Justice’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The complaint describes the department’s response as incompetent and conflicted, resulting in harm to the victims and the administration of justice. ([ldad.org](https://ldad.org/letters-briefs/complaint-todd-blanche?utm_source=openai))
In a separate matter, a watchdog group has filed a bar complaint against Blanche concerning his role in the prosecution of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The group alleges that Blanche’s conduct in this case constituted a serious abuse of public office, undermining the integrity of the Department of Justice and eroding public confidence in the legal profession. ([lawandcrime.com](https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/a-serious-abuse-of-public-office-bar-complaint-filed-against-acting-attorney-general-over-reprehensible-and-failed-kilmar-abrego-garcia-prosecution/?utm_source=openai))
These complaints come at a time when Blanche is set for confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15 and 16, as President Trump seeks to make his appointment permanent. The hearings are expected to address these allegations and other concerns raised by both Republican and Democratic senators. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/1e4301183691e001e269610e846a7a92?utm_source=openai))
As the Attorney Grievance Committee reviews the complaints, the legal community and the public await further developments regarding Blanche’s professional conduct and his potential confirmation as Attorney General.