# DOJ loosens rules on political activity for top officials

> The Justice Department has relaxed ethics guidelines allowing the attorney general and other senior appointees to participate in political campaigns.
- Title: DOJ loosens rules on political activity for top officials
- Summary: The Justice Department has relaxed ethics guidelines allowing the attorney general and other senior appointees to participate in political campaigns. The…
- Keywords: justice department, attorney general, ethics rules, political campaigns, todd blanche, pam bondi, news, DOJ, loosens, rules, political, activity
- Source: CBS News — https://cbsnews.com/news/ag-blanche-other-high-level-doj-appointees-can-take-part-in-political-campaigns-memo
- Author: Sarah N. Lynch
- Published: 2026-10-10T04:57:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: justice department, attorney general, ethics rules, political campaigns, todd blanche, pam bondi, news
## DOJ relaxes political activity rules
A memo from Assistant Attorney General Jolene Ann Laurie allows Senate-confirmed presidential appointees to speak at rallies, canvass for votes and serve as party delegates in their personal capacities.
## Blanche defends his campaign appearances
Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the Republican midterm convention in September and attended a rally for a North Carolina Republican Senate candidate. He said he was not violating any rule or law.

> I am not in any way violating any rule or law
## Shift from Biden-era restrictions
The Biden-era Justice Department prohibited appointees from attending partisan political events even in personal capacities. A two thousand twenty-four memo also told appointees to avoid public appearances in states shortly before elections.
## Key takeaway

The Justice Department relaxed ethics rules allowing senior appointees including the attorney general to speak at rallies and campaign for candidates in their personal capacities.