Elizabeth Oyer
Former U.S. Pardon Attorney (2022–2025) at the Department of Justice and former federal public defender, fired after refusing to restore Mel Gibson's gun rights.
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APPEARANCES
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PODCASTS
Jul 30, 2026
Chuck GrassleyMODERATOR
Now, Ms. Hoyer.
Elizabeth OyerGUEST
Good morning, Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, and members of this committee.
Elizabeth OyerGUEST
I am here as a public servant, a former Justice Department employee, and a concerned American who cares deeply about the future of our country.
Elizabeth OyerGUEST
I had great hope that Todd Blanch would be an effective leader and a responsible steward of the Department of Justice, but he quickly proved me wrong.
Elizabeth OyerGUEST
Two days after Mr. Blanch was confirmed as Deputy Attorney General, he fired me from my position as the department's career pardon attorney.
Elizabeth OyerGUEST
I declined to rubber stamp a political favor for a friend of the president, and it cost me my job.
Elizabeth OyerGUEST
Mr. Blanch's office had asked me to recommend restoring the gun ownership rights of a convicted domestic abuser.
18 MINS LATER
Chuck GrassleyMODERATOR
You want to respond?