AG Blanche, other high-level DOJ appointees can take part in political campaigns, memo says

October 10, 2026 / 12:57 AM EDT / CBS News

The Justice Department has loosened the guidelines for the attorney general and other senior political appointees, allowing them to participate in political activities.

A memo sent this week by Assistant Attorney General Jolene Ann Laurie relaxes ethics restrictions on Senate-confirmed presidential appointees such that they can speak at rallies, canvass for votes and even serve as delegates or officers of a national political party as long as those activities are conducted in their personal capacities.

The guidance applies to the attorney general, the deputy attorney general, assistant attorneys general, the FBI director, U.S. attorneys and others.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi had loosened the regulations somewhat during her tenure by allowing political appointees to attend rallies and fundraisers. The new memo goes a step further.

It specifically states that presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed Justice Department employees are exempt from the more stringent guidelines imposed on some other DOJ employees, such as administrative law judges and those in the Criminal Division.

Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the Republican midterm convention in September and attended a rally for a North Carolina Republican Senate candidate, drawing criticism that he violated long-standing Justice Department norms…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/