The RNC's leaked speaker roster, first reported by Axios, lists Attorney General Todd Blanche as a speaker at the Sept. 9–10 Dallas convention, raising concerns about potential Hatch Act violations. Critics, including former Obama aide Christopher Hale and legal experts, noted Blanche's past role as Donald Trump's personal attorney and a recent campaign appearance in New York. The RNC has confirmed the lineup; the White House and DOJ have not yet commented as Republicans seek to energize voters ahead of the midterms.
Leaked RNC Speaker List Names Attorney General Todd Blanche — Sparks Hatch Act Concerns
Ken Cedeno / REUTERS
The Republican National Committee's leaked speaker lineup — first reported by Axios — has drawn renewed scrutiny by listing Attorney General Todd Blanche among speakers at the Sept. 9–10 midterm convention in Dallas. Critics say Blanche's scheduled appearance at a partisan event, billed by the RNC as "Trump‑a‑palooza," could run afoul of federal limits on political activity by executive‑branch officials.
Why This Matters
The Hatch Act of 1939 limits partisan political activity by federal executive‑branch employees; legal experts say an appearance by the country's top law enforcement official at an overtly partisan convention raises questions about impartiality and potential legal violations.
Public Reaction
Former Obama staffer Christopher Hale flagged Blanche's inclusion on X, posting:
Todd Blanche is criticized for speaking at the Republican mid-term convention. / X
The United States Attorney General is speaking at a national partisan political convention.
The RNC later confirmed the lineup in a press release on its website. One X user responded:
He will always be the President's lawyer, so let's just start calling him that.
Background On Blanche
Before his appointment as attorney general, Blanche served as Donald Trump's personal attorney for many years. That history, critics say, makes his presence at a partisan RNC event especially controversial.
Earlier Scrutiny
Legal commentators point to an August appearance in New York when Blanche campaigned for a Trump‑backed Republican in the state's governor's race. Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance wrote on her Substack that she was "deeply disgusted," arguing the attorney general is "on the clock 24/7" and therefore cannot separate official duties from public political activity.
Blanche in 2024, when he was acting as Trump's attorney, speaks after a hearing in Trump's criminal court case on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star. / Shannon Stapleton / REUTERS
Official Response And Political Context
The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment. President Donald Trump announced the atypical midterm convention in June; the two‑day event in Dallas is intended to spotlight the president and mobilize the MAGA base ahead of November's elections.
Republicans face a difficult path to retaining control of the House and Senate, with multiple competitive Senate races — including in Texas — and voter concerns about the economy and national leadership shaping the contest.
What Comes Next
Potential Hatch Act violations can be reviewed by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and other oversight bodies, though enforcement can be protracted and politically charged. As of now, the RNC has confirmed Blanche's place on the roster and the event remains scheduled for early September.
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