New DOJ Memo Permits Senior Appointees to Campaign and Serve as Party Officers

Key points

• A memo from Assistant Attorney General Jolene Ann Laurie exempts Senate-confirmed presidential appointees from strict ethics guidelines, permitting them to engage in political activities in their personal capacities.
• The new guidance allows these officials to speak at rallies, canvass for votes, and serve as delegates or officers of national political parties.
• The memo specifically applies to the attorney general, deputy attorney general, assistant attorneys general, the FBI director, and U.S. attorneys, while excluding administrative law judges and those in the Criminal Division.
• Attorney General Todd Blanche defended his recent appearances at a Republican midterm convention and a North Carolina Senate candidate rally, stating he was not violating any rules.
• This policy shift follows a 2024 memo under the Biden administration that prohibited non-career appointees from attending partisan events, even in their personal capacities.

Background

This development follows earlier concerns raised in September 2026 regarding Attorney General Blanche's political appearances, which critics argued eroded the Department of Justice's independence. The current memo formalizes a trend that began with former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had already allowed appointees to attend rallies and fundraisers, but the new guidance goes further by explicitly permitting roles in party structures.

Why it matters

The relaxation of these ethics rules could blur the line between law enforcement and political advocacy, potentially undermining public confidence in the impartiality of the Justice Department during the 2026 midterm elections.

What to watch

The Justice Department is expected to enforce these new guidelines as the midterm elections approach, while critics may continue to challenge the legality and ethical implications of senior officials' political involvement.