Last Week Tonight host John Oliver dedicated a significant portion of his Sunday programme to scrutinising acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and his loyalty to Donald Trump.
Blanche previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer across all four of the former and current president’s criminal cases before ascending to the nation’s top law enforcement role.
Trump nominated Blanche to serve as attorney general after first installing him in the acting capacity following the removal of Pam Bondi earlier this year.
Bondi’s departure came after her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files drew widespread criticism, alongside what insiders described as failed efforts to prosecute the president’s political enemies.
Oliver used the segment to question whether Blanche could operate with any meaningful independence from the president who elevated him to the role.
To make his point, Oliver aired a clip of Blanche speaking effusively to reporters about Trump, drawing laughter from his studio audience.
The host joked that Blanche sounded like he was “freestyling a version of Green Eggs and Ham about what he’s willing to do for the president.”
Oliver then unveiled a mock Dr. Seuss-style book cover created by his production team, cheekily titled Brown Nose Goes H.A.M., to considerable effect.
Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April and has moved quickly to use the position in ways critics say reflect his allegiance to Trump rather than impartial justice.
Since taking over, Blanche has moved to revive investigations targeting New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, both of whom Trump has long regarded as adversaries.
The segment reflects broader concerns among legal observers and commentators about the independence of the Justice Department under its current leadership.
Oliver’s satirical treatment of Blanche adds to a growing chorus of voices questioning whether the acting attorney general can credibly serve the public interest while remaining so closely aligned with the president.