Attorney General Blanche Holds Rose Garden Briefing on AI, Election Issues

Attorney General Todd Blanche held an unusual press briefing in the White House Rose Garden on September 15, 2026, addressing topics ranging from artificial intelligence to election integrity in a role typically filled by the White House press secretary. The appearance came as the administration continues to search for a permanent replacement for former press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who left her post in late August. During the briefing, Blanche stated that the administration would not regulate artificial intelligence, calling it "extraordinarily beneficial" and dismissing recent calls for regulation from members of both parties as an effort to influence the upcoming midterm elections. "Every Democrat senator suddenly races to a microphone to talk about AI after being eerily silent for months," Blanche said, aligning with President Trump's characterization of the push as a political hoax. Blanche also addressed the Supreme Court's decision on September 14 to block a Trump administration plan to restrict mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterms. He confirmed the administration would comply with the ruling but emphasized that work on election integrity would continue.