Former AG: Blanche is 'Partly Right' on DOJ Independence

Summary

Former US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales discusses Attorney General Todd Blanche and DOJ independence, arguing an attorney general should follow presidential priorities but remain independent on investigations and prosecutions. He also addresses DOJ election monitoring and voter roll access, saying there is no evidence of massive voter fraud and warning against federal election takeover. Finally, he comments on the White House ballroom renovation and its Supreme Court security argument.

• Gonzales says Blanche is partly right that DOJ need not act independently on policy and priorities.
• He says the attorney general must follow the law rather than presidential wishes in investigations and prosecutions.
• He warns public presidential directions to investigate or prosecute without legal basis are absolutely wrong and damage DOJ confidence.
• He says DOJ election role is limited and federal takeover of state and local elections should not happen.
• He says there is no evidence of massive voter fraud in the US.
• He questions the White House ballroom renovation's security rationale and its 11th-hour Supreme Court argument.