Trump officials to get DOJ defense in probes, Blanche says

US Attorney General Todd Blanche said on November 8 that the Justice Department would defend President Donald Trump and senior administration officials if incoming Democratic-led congressional committees investigate them.

Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer, told CNN that his job as attorney general was to defend the administration in court. He said the department would defend Stephen Miller, whom Trump appointed as his next chief of staff, if lawmakers “try to come after” him.

The comments followed Democratic Representative Robert Garcia's call for Trump allies to “lawyer up.” Garcia is expected to become chair of the House Oversight Committee after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.

Speaking on CNN after Blanche, Garcia said Congress was responsible for oversight of the executive branch and accused Blanche of focusing on protecting Trump and his administration. Asked whether he would continue that course if he faced a Justice Department investigation, Garcia said Democrats would not be intimidated.

Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of “extortion” and said he was ordering the Justice Department to investigate what he called a “criminal act” after Democrats threatened investigations of his administration.

Democrats are due to take control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in January. With control of congressional committees, they will be able to summon officials, demand documents and hold public hearings.