Fact Check: Is Todd Blanche facing a malpractice lawsuit over $1.65M overbilling?
WASHINGTON, DC: Rumors began circulating online after Todd Blanche was appointed acting attorney general, claiming he was facing a malpractice lawsuit over alleged $1.65 million overbilling.
Blanche, who has served as President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general since April 2026, was accused by twin brothers Adam and Daniel Kaplan of forging their signatures on a retainer agreement and overbilling them during an SEC-related legal defense. Let's fact-check the claim.
Claim: Trump's acting AG Todd Blanche is facing a malpractice lawsuit
Although the origin of the rumor remains unclear, a viral post shared by the Threads account SeanBartley Music claimed that Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general, was facing a malpractice lawsuit filed by former clients.
The post stated, “BREAKING: Trump’s acting AG Todd Blanche is facing a malpractice lawsuit from former clients,” before alleging that the clients claimed Blanche “forged their signatures and overbilled them $1.65M.”
It further claimed, “A handwriting expert confirmed the forgeries. The case is still active — while Blanche runs the DOJ." The post concluded with the phrase, “Let that sink in.”
At the time of writing, the viral Threads post had received more than 32,700 likes and over 1,200 comments.
Reacting to the allegations, one Threads user wrote, “Well, yeah, that’s how he got hired by Trump. You don’t get a cushy job in this administration without first committing several felonies.”
Another user commented, “This situation is unacceptable. If a lawyer working as acting AG for the DOJ forged a document, he should be removed from the position without delay.”
Fact Check: Claims against Todd Blanche are supported by court filings
The claim in the post regarding Todd Blanche is largely supported by court filings and multiple news reports. Twin brothers Adam and Daniel Kaplan filed a legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty lawsuit in June 2023 against Blanche and his law firm.
The lawsuit remains active as of late May 2026, even while Blanche serves as Acting Attorney General in the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump.
The Kaplans allege that Blanche forged their signatures on a retainer agreement and overbilled them approximately $1.65 million. They claim they were promised discounted legal fees but were instead billed thousands of hours at rates close to $1,000 per hour. The plaintiffs also allege that the firm withheld their case files and evidence relevant to their defense in an SEC investigation.
The case has drawn renewed public attention due to Blanche’s senior government role. However, as of the latest available reports in May 2026, there has been no final judgment or finding of liability against him. It remains a civil lawsuit and not a criminal conviction.
