Justice Department Relaxes Political Activity Rules For Top Officials

The Justice Department relaxed rules to let top political appointees participate in campaigns.

The Justice Department has issued an internal memo relaxing restrictions on political conduct for senior Senate-confirmed appointees. The policy change enables officials like Attorney General Todd Blanche to engage in political campaigns. The update alters long-standing guidelines regarding political involvement within the agency.

• Who is affectedSenate-confirmed officials at the Justice Department, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, are covered by the updated guidelines.
• The policy changeThe internal memorandum eases previous restrictions that strictly limited how senior law enforcement leaders could participate in political campaigns.