Crypto Clash: Attorney's Investments Raise Eyebrows at Justice Department

Deputy Attorney General Faces Ethical Questions Over Crypto Holdings

The Conflict

• Ownership: Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, owns crypto assets worth over $159,000.
• Policy Changes: He recently altered policies that benefit the crypto industry.
• Broken Promise: Blanche promised to sell his crypto within 90 days of his confirmation but did not.

Actions and Reactions

• Transfer of Assets: Over a month after issuing a pro-crypto memo, Blanche transferred his investments to his family.
• Legal but Questionable: While legal, this move raises ethical concerns.
• Complaint Filed: The Campaign Legal Center has filed a complaint, calling for an investigation into potential conflict-of-interest violations.

Key Events

• April Memo: Blanche ended investigations into crypto companies and disbanded a team focused on crypto-related fraud and money laundering.
• Market Reaction: Crypto trading spiked after his policy announcement, raising suspicions of personal gain.

Background

• Trump's Defense: Blanche has a history of defending former President Donald Trump, including in the Manhattan trial and other criminal charges.
• DOJ Involvement: Since his confirmation, Blanche has been instrumental in significant changes at the Department of Justice.