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

Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, is under scrutiny for a possible conflict of interest. He owns crypto assets worth over $159, 000. This is a problem because he recently changed policies that benefit the crypto industry. Blanche promised to sell his crypto within 90 days of his confirmation. He did not do this. Instead, he transferred his investments to his family over a month after issuing a memo that favored the crypto industry. This move is legal but raises ethical questions. The Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan watchdog group, has filed a complaint. They want an investigation into whether Blanche broke conflict-of-interest laws. The group's general counsel, Kedric Payne, said the evidence suggests Blanche influenced DOJ policies to benefit his own financial interests.Blanche's actions have drawn criticism. He issued a memo in April that ended investigations into crypto companies. He also disbanded a team dedicated to crypto-related fraud and money laundering. This memo came before he sold his crypto investments. The market reacted positively to Blanche's memo. Crypto trading spiked after he announced the new policy. This raises questions about whether his actions were motivated by personal gain. Blanche's background includes defending former President Donald Trump. He was Trump's lead attorney in the Manhattan trial. Blanche also defended Trump against other criminal charges. Since his confirmation, Blanche has been involved in significant changes at the Department of Justice.