Todd Blanche Addresses Criticism of Judges Following DOJ Actions in Minnesota

<figure><img alt="US Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks during a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., US, September 30, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ZOQNXS3RHFG4HA2TDWEBJY2ROE.JPG?auth=c88cfbe72e056db20756a0c05dbab3a2cb6cb1f9b2b16fa406aa83291c6c64f9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3169&amp;height=1783" /><figcaption>Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Todd Blanche, the Attorney General, faced scrutiny after the Justice Department targeted several judges in Minnesota. Blanche previously accused these judges of violating judicial ethics by speaking out against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. However, he himself had declared a “war” against “activist judges” in the past.</p><p>The Justice Department filed a judicial misconduct complaint against seven judges, including Patrick Schiltz, for their comments to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/17/us/politics/minnesota-judge-trump-immigration.html" rel="">The New York Times</a> regarding the administration's immigration actions, which Schiltz described as a “grave threat to the rule of law.”</p><p>In a statement, Blanche claimed that the judges “undermined public confidence in an impartial judiciary in Minnesota” by discussing ongoing cases with the media.</p><p>During a press conference, a reporter questioned Blanche about the difference between his previous comments and those of the judges. The reporter noted that Blanche had previously stated, “It’s a war, man,” and asked how that differed from the judges' statements.</p><p>Blanche responded, stating, “It turns out I’m not a judge. It turns out I’m not bound by the judicial canons. OK? I’m allowed to fight for my prosecutors.” He emphasized that he is permitted to express strong opinions regarding judicial actions.</p><p>In November of the previous year, Blanche had urged young lawyers to join the “war” against what the administration labeled as “activist judges,” stating, “It’s a war, man. It’s happening over and over and over again.”</p><p>He reiterated his stance during the recent press conference, expressing frustration over judges who make decisions that are later overturned by higher courts, which he claimed burdens prosecutors with excessive work.</p><p>The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>