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Justice Department Relaxes Ethics Rules for Senate-Confirmed Political Appointees
Just the facts
An internal memorandum circulated by the Department of Justice's ethics office established that presidential appointees confirmed by the Senate are exempt from certain political activity restrictions. The policy adjustment permits senior officials, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, to speak at campaign rallies and publicly endorse or oppose political candidates. The guidance departs from decades of department standards that held top leadership to restrictions beyond the statutory requirements of the Hatch Act. The revision follows recent public appearances by Blanche alongside political candidates, including President Donald Trump at a September campaign event in North Carolina.
Why this is news
The United States Department of Justice issued updated ethics guidance relaxing restrictions on political campaign activities for Senate-confirmed presidential appointees.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.