Justice Department Memo Allows AG Blanche and Senior Appointees to Engage in Political Campaigns

The Justice Department has significantly relaxed ethical guidelines for the attorney general and other high-ranking political appointees, granting them permission to engage in partisan political activities. A memorandum released this week by Assistant Attorney General Jolene Ann Laurie clarifies that Senate-confirmed presidential appointees may speak at rallies, canvass for votes, and serve as delegates or officers of a national political party, provided these actions are taken in their personal capacities.

The guidance extends to the attorney general, deputy attorney general, assistant attorneys general, the FBI director, U.S. attorneys, and other senior officials. While former Attorney General Pam Bondi previously eased regulations to permit political appointees to attend rallies and fundraisers, the new memo expands these allowances further.

Specifically, the document states that presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed DOJ employees are exempt from the stricter rules applied to other department personnel, such as administrative law judges and staff within the Criminal Division. This marks a departure from the Biden-era administration’s policies.

The shift follows criticism directed at Attorney General Todd Blanche for attending the Republican midterm convention in September and a rally for a North Carolina Senate candidate. Blanche defended his actions, stating, “I am not in any way violating any rule or law,” and emphasized that his appearances were conducted in his personal capacity rather than on behalf of the department.

Under previous 2024 guidance issued by the Justice Department, non-career appointees were prohibited from attending any partisan political events, even privately, and were advised to avoid public appearances in states shortly before elections. PBS News was the first to report on the newly issued guidelines.