Trump says Todd Blanche ‘kept him out of jail for years’ while revisiting legal battles at WH event

Trump renewed attacks on past investigations and claimed Democrats used indictments to damage him politically
Trump had singled out Todd Blanche while praising administration officials and law enforcement at White House event (Getty Images)
Trump had singled out Todd Blanche while praising administration officials and law enforcement at White House event (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump drew laughter and instant online attention after joking that Todd Blanche “kept him out of jail for years” while praising the acting attorney general during a White House event honoring law enforcement officials.

The remark quickly went viral online as Trump revisited his long-standing claims that he was unfairly targeted through investigations and indictments before returning to office.

Trump praises Todd Blanche during White House law enforcement event

During Monday’s White House event, Trump singled out Blanche while applauding members of his administration and law enforcement officials gathered for the ceremony.



On Monday, the president hosted an event celebrating law enforcement and praised various members of his administration. Trump had some especially colorful remarks when he got around to Blanche.

“We have a man who’s doing a great job, I’ll tell you. I knew it, because he kept me out of jail for years.”

“Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. He kept me out of jail.”

The crowd laughed as Trump continued referencing the multiple investigations and prosecutions he faced before winning back the presidency.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 19: Former U.S. President Donald Trump (R) sits with his attorney Todd Blanche (L) during his criminal trial as jury selection continues at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 19, 2024 in New York City. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records last year, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face trial on criminal charges. (Photo by Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump had sat with his attorney Todd Blanche during jury selection proceedings in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City (Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)

“They would indict me left and right, the crooked Democrats. You know, it’s amazing. They impeach me. They indict me. Then, when I get in office, if I say something like, ‘Well, maybe that should be looked into.’ ‘Weaponization!’”

Earlier this year, Trump elevated Blanche to acting attorney general after removing Pam Bondi from the role amid growing tensions inside the Justice Department. Blanche has since become one of the administration’s most visible legal and political defenders.

Trump renews criticism of investigations and indictments

The president also used the event to renew broader attacks against what he described as partisan abuses inside the justice system during previous administrations.

“I go through court cases. I win them because they were fake indictments. But when I even mention like, I said the other day that some of the stuff should be looked into.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks at a news conference to announce an update on the Epstein files at the Department of Justice on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. Blanche announced that the department had released three million additional pages in the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Todd Blanche had spoken at a Department of Justice news conference announcing additional updates on the Epstein files in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“They said, ‘Weaponization! He’s a terrible human being. Weaponization.’ They blame me for weaponization.”

Trump argued Democrats spent years trying to damage him politically through investigations, impeachments and criminal indictments before voters ultimately returned him to the White House.

“They are a crooked bunch and we want to keep it the way it is, what we have now. We have great law enforcement now.”

“We have law enforcement that loves our country, not law enforcement that’s sick and dangerous.”

Trump was indicted in three other cases, two of them at the federal level. The president was accused of holding on to classified documents and hindering their retrieval.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump with attorney Todd Blanche speaks to the media during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21, 2024 in New York City. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records last year, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face trial on criminal charges. (Photo by Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump and Todd Blanche had addressed reporters during proceedings tied to the hush money case at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City (Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images)

He also faced federal charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. In Georgia, Trump was charged with attempting to overturn the election results in that state.

After Trump won re-election, the Department of Justice dismissed charges against him in line with longstanding DOJ policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Despite ongoing controversy surrounding the administration’s legal battles, Trump’s base has largely remained firmly behind him.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The notification gives the Pentagon another 60 days to continue military operations without congressional approval
27 minutes ago
An emotional John Thune fought back tears as he honored Lindsey Graham, recalling his final Ukraine mission and lifelong service
4 hours ago
The appointment comes days before Republicans begin filing for a special primary to pick their nominee for November's election
6 hours ago
The task force intensified the Pentagon's crackdown on leaks by boosting Justice Department coordination and speeding internal investigations
6 hours ago
The FBI said it investigated credible federal election allegations and would not tolerate employees who failed to uphold its standards
7 hours ago
Israel's US envoy said Ro Khanna ignored embassy coordination, instead arranging the trip with Palestinian activists and J Street
8 hours ago
A federal judge voided the proposed $1.776 billion settlement, ruling no valid case existed, and referred a Trump attorney for discipline
8 hours ago
President Trump renewed his criticism of Obama, claiming he sent $1.7 billion in cash to Iran after stopping short of making a harsher remark
8 hours ago
Trump administration announced a worldwide diplomatic push to weaken the International Criminal Court after three ICC judges challenged US sanctions
9 hours ago
Darline Graham Nordone had never sought elected office, making President Trump's backing surprising as she could become Lindsey Graham's successor
9 hours ago