Trump Deputy AG Pick Faces Backlash Over Lunch With CNN Host
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, is under scrutiny after being photographed having lunch with CNN host Kaitlan Collins, a known critic of Trump. The meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, has fueled speculation and accusations of disloyalty, raising questions about Blanche’s standing in Trump’s inner circle.
The photos, shared by British journalist Raheem Kassam, show Blanche and Collins engaged in what appeared to be a serious conversation. Billionaire Elon Musk also reacted to the images, amplifying concerns among Trump supporters.
Critics online speculated that Blanche, who served as Trump’s lawyer during his legal battles with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, might be acting as an informant. One insider told OK! Magazine that Trump is deeply distrustful of leaks, suggesting that the meeting could “infuriate” the president-elect.
“This cozy catch-up could infuriate Trump,” the source said. “Todd is an informant on Trump World for Kaitlan — but they’ve been done over by an eagle-eyed onlooker!”
Blanche recently moved to Florida and registered as a Republican, but his candidacy for Deputy Attorney General has drawn skepticism. Collins’ reporting has previously included scoops on Trump’s transition plans, such as infighting over the Treasury Secretary pick. Critics now wonder if Blanche may have been a source.
Conservative activist Scott Presler joked about the situation, while others urged caution, suggesting there could be an innocent explanation for the meeting. Still, the optics of the lunch have sparked outrage among Trump’s supporters, some of whom are calling for Blanche’s nomination to be reconsidered.
As Trump’s transition team navigates its early days, the controversy surrounding Blanche highlights the challenges of maintaining loyalty and cohesion within the administration. Whether the lunch was innocuous or indicative of deeper issues remains a point of contention for Trump’s base.
