Blanton was terminated from his position after inspector general reports found "administrative, ethical and policy violations" by Blanton, including misrepresenting himself as a law enforcement official, misuse of government vehicles, waste, absenteeism, contracting irregularities, workplace misconduct and sexual harassment.[2][3]
President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol.[7] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. On December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote.[1] He was sworn in on January 16, 2020.[8]
The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex.
In November 2022, a report from the office of the Inspector General found that Blanton and his family had repeatedly misused the resources of his office. The investigation was prompted by a tip about Blanton's daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a WalmartinTyson's Corner.[9] Multiple instances of the Blanton family misusing government cars for personal use were documented in the report, which also documented how Blanton's wife gave unauthorized tours of the U.S. Capitol and that Blanton misrepresented himself as a police officer.[10]
As a result, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, an omnibus spending bill, included a clause in the AOC budget "That none of the funds appropriated or made available under this heading in this Act or any other Act, including previous Acts, may be used for a home-to-work vehicle for the Architect or a duly authorized designee".[11] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]
