President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Todd Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and trusted legal adviser, as Attorney General of the United States. The appointment, which could be announced as early as next week, signals a decisive shift in the Department of Justice’s priorities and has already prompted reassessments in the City of London.
Blanche, 49, served as a partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft before joining Trump’s legal team during the Manhattan criminal hush-money trial. His career includes stints as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. Legal analysts describe him as a skilled litigator with a reputation for rigorous legal reasoning, albeit one whose loyalty to Trump has become a defining feature.
If confirmed by the Senate, Blanche would inherit a department grappling with unprecedented challenges. His prospective tenure is likely to accelerate the investigation into classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago, a case in which Blanche has already represented Trump. Critics fear the appointment could further politicise the Justice Department, while supporters argue it will restore accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
The City of London, home to the world’s largest offshore financial market, is monitoring the transition with caution. British lawyers and bankers are paying close attention to the implications for cross-border investigations, extradition treaties, and financial regulations. The UK’s Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority have historically cooperated closely with the US Department of Justice. A change in leadership in Washington could alter the tone and tempo of joint investigations into money laundering, bribery, and sanctions evasion.
London-based law firms report an uptick in inquiries from clients seeking advice on potential shifts in US enforcement priorities. Several have already convened internal working groups to assess the risks and opportunities of a Blanche-led Justice Department. The prospect of reduced cooperation on climate-related financial disclosures or increased scrutiny of Chinese investments remains a source of uncertainty.
The transition comes at a delicate moment for transatlantic legal relations. The UK’s post-Brexit divergence from EU regulations has already created friction with Washington on data sharing and financial standards. A Trump administration determined to assert American sovereignty could exacerbate these tensions.
Diplomatic sources in London indicate that the Foreign Office has prepared contingency plans for a less collaborative US legal environment. These include strengthening bilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance and exploring alternative venues for international arbitration.
Blanche’s nomination is expected to face stiff opposition from Senate Democrats, who view his close ties to Trump as a conflict of interest. However, with Republicans holding a slim majority in the chamber, confirmation is probable. The City of London will be watching the confirmation hearings for clues about the new administration’s approach to financial regulation and international cooperation.
