What to know about Todd Blanche, Trump's pick for acting attorney general

President Trump has selected Todd Blanche, his former defense attorney, to serve as acting attorney general of the Justice Department. Blanche represented Trump in legal matters before being tapped to lead the department, marking a significant shift from typical protocol where the attorney general is chosen based on prosecutorial or judicial experience rather than prior client representation. The appointment gives Trump direct influence over the Justice Department's direction at a time when the agency faces scrutiny over its handling of cases involving the president and his allies. Blanche will oversee federal law enforcement, criminal prosecutions, and civil litigation for the government, making the choice particularly notable given his previous role defending Trump's personal interests.