Blanche was sworn in as Attorney General of the United States earlier this week, with the ceremony conducted by Emil Bove.
He wasted little time addressing the tens of thousands of prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and support staff now under his leadership.
His message to the DOJ workforce centred on a commitment to impartiality and the rule of law, despite a turbulent run-up to his confirmation.
“I promise you that I will lead this department with integrity,” Blanche told staff in his address to the department.
“I promise you that I will focus on our core mission which is to uphold the rule of law fairly and impartially, to keep this great country safe and to protect the rights of every citizen in this country,” he added.
The pledges arrive against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding his time as Deputy Attorney General and Acting Attorney General.
During that period, Blanche declared it the president’s “right and duty” to direct criminal investigations of political enemies, a position that drew fierce criticism from legal observers.
He also introduced himself as Trump’s lawyer during his own confirmation hearing, a moment that raised immediate questions about his independence from the administration he now serves.
His tenure also coincided with the departure of approximately 16,000 DOJ employees, a figure that includes career prosecutors who were reportedly fired for refusing to make false representations in court.
Former colleagues have accused Blanche of breaking his oath to the Constitution, allegations that dogged him throughout the confirmation process and have not been formally resolved.
A proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies, created under his watch, nearly derailed his confirmation to the Attorney General post entirely.
The fund drew sharp scrutiny from senators on both sides of the aisle who questioned the legal basis and the appropriateness of using federal resources in such a manner.
Blanche’s confirmation ultimately proceeded, but the controversies surrounding his record mean his integrity pledges will face intense scrutiny from career staff and outside observers alike.
The DOJ workforce, already diminished in size after months of departures and firings, will be watching closely to see whether the new Attorney General’s actions align with his opening words.