Trump’s attorney general pick hints at making national abortion restrictions a priority

August 5, 2026

Todd Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general and awaiting Senate confirmation, has signaled that he would make national abortion restrictions a Justice Department priority, representing a significant policy shift. During a White House Faith Office call, Blanche indicated he would focus on restricting medication abortion access, particularly by limiting the ability of providers in protective states to serve patients in states with abortion bans. He has also committed to reviewing the 1800s-era Comstock Act, which anti-abortion activists believe could be used to ban mailing abortion medications entirely.

Who is affected

People seeking abortion services, particularly those in states with abortion bans who currently access medication abortion through telehealth
Medical professionals in protective states who prescribe and mail abortion medications across state lines
States with abortion protections that allow telehealth abortion services
States with abortion bans seeking to enforce restrictions
Anti-abortion activists and organizations advocating for medication abortion restrictions
Todd Blanche (awaiting confirmation vote)
Senate Republicans Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), and Susan Collins (Maine) whose votes are critical
Congressional Republicans facing midterm elections

What action is being taken

The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel is undertaking a thorough review of policies and procedures related to abortion
The FDA is currently reviewing mifepristone's approval
The Senate is in the process of voting on Blanche's confirmation as attorney general
A Louisiana court case challenging mifepristone's telehealth approval is proceeding through the legal system

Why it matters

This represents a potential major escalation in federal abortion policy, moving from state-level restrictions to nationwide limitations on medication abortion access. Medication abortion has become a critical workaround for people in states with bans, with telehealth enabling thousands to circumvent state restrictions safely. If Blanche is confirmed and implements these priorities, it could effectively eliminate access to abortion medications nationwide through enforcement of the Comstock Act or FDA regulatory changes, impacting even states that have explicitly protected abortion rights. The timing is also politically significant, occurring months before midterm elections where Republicans face challenges and abortion remains a contentious issue, despite the party's attempts to avoid the topic given that national abortion restrictions remain unpopular with voters.

What's next

Blanche requires one more Senate vote for confirmation, with Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy yet to indicate their positions
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear Louisiana's case against mifepristone's telehealth approval in September
The FDA review of mifepristone's approval is ongoing
The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel review of abortion-related policies and procedures is underway

Read full article from source: The 19th