Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche clashed with Sen. Adam Schiff in a heated hearing, denying allegations of self-dealing and intentional refusal-to-recuse in President Donald Trump’s cases. Blanche accused Schiff of lying and misstating ethics rules.
Exchange Over Conflicts of Interest
Schiff pressed Blanche on whether he met with Justice Department ethics lawyers about his prior representation of Trump in the Stormy Daniels, Mar-a-Lago classified documents, and January 6 cases. Blanche affirmed and said he has recused himself from future litigation or Justice Department business involving any of those suits.
Blanche soon fired back when Schiff criticized him for moving to vacate January 6-related convictions for 12 members of far-right groups. Blanche stated that there was no reason for him to recuse himself, citing rules that dictate when recusal is necessary.
Rules and Recusal
Schiff noted that the second volume of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump has not been released and said the Justice Department has opposed making it available. Blanche denied having anything to do with the decision, pointing out that it is not the Justice Department, but a federal judge in Miami, that has prohibited its release.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
