Washington: Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney General, came under intense questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee as lawmakers from both parties examined his role in controversial Justice Department decisions, including the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and a disputed settlement involving former President Trump.
The confirmation hearing quickly centered on whether Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer, could act independently if confirmed to lead the Justice Department. Responding to criticism that he would simply follow Trump’s wishes, Blanche rejected the notion.
“President Trump expects honest legal advice from me,” Blanche told lawmakers, insisting that providing counsel does not make him a “yes man.”
Tax Settlement Faces Fresh Questions
One of the most contentious issues discussed was a controversial settlement reached in litigation involving Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. The agreement included plans for a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund intended to compensate individuals who claimed they had been unfairly targeted by the government. It also contained provisions shielding Trump and his businesses from certain tax audits.
Blanche acknowledged that the compensation fund had effectively been abandoned but clarified that the broader settlement itself had not been formally withdrawn. According to him, enforcing the agreement would require further court proceedings, which Trump’s legal team currently has no intention of pursuing.
His explanation failed to convince several lawmakers. Republican Senator John Cornyn said Blanche’s testimony had not eased his concerns, adding that he remained undecided on whether to support the nomination.
Cornyn remarked that while supporters argued the compensation fund was no longer active, the hearing confirmed that the underlying agreement itself still existed, leaving unanswered questions.
Defending His Record
Throughout the hearing, Blanche pointed to his work as acting Attorney General, highlighting efforts to reduce violent crime and combat fraud involving public assistance programs. He also defended actions taken by the Justice Department to address what he described as misconduct during the previous administration, referencing criminal cases that had been brought against Trump.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley praised Blanche’s performance in office and accused critics of overlooking achievements within the Justice Department.
January 6 and Judicial Independence
Blanche also addressed broader concerns about his relationship with Trump.
He stated that federal judges should not face impeachment simply because they rule against government policies. He further acknowledged that individuals who assaulted police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol deserved criminal prosecution, even though Trump later granted pardons to most people convicted in connection with the riot.
At the same time, Blanche defended the constitutional authority of the president to issue pardons, describing it as a legal power rather than an endorsement of the conduct involved.
Epstein Files Under the Spotlight
Lawmakers also questioned Blanche about the Justice Department’s release of investigative records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an effort that has drawn criticism after some victims’ identities were reportedly disclosed.
Blanche accepted responsibility for mistakes made during the document release. He assured the committee that authorities remained prepared to investigate and prosecute any additional individuals connected to Epstein if new evidence emerged.
However, he stopped short of committing to meet directly with Epstein’s victims, saying that other officials within the Justice Department and the FBI were better positioned to engage with them.
He emphasized that any credible evidence uncovered in the future would be pursued through criminal investigations without hesitation.
Opposition Mounts
Blanche’s nomination continues to face significant resistance.
More than 1,200 former Justice Department employees have signed a letter opposing his confirmation, arguing that he has prioritized defending Trump over maintaining the department’s institutional independence.
Adding to the pressure, a federal judge recently criticized the settlement involving the anti-weaponization fund, concluding that the arrangement appeared to improperly benefit Trump and his associates. The judge also referred lawyers involved in negotiating the agreement, including Blanche, to state bar authorities for potential ethics review.
Democratic lawmakers echoed similar concerns during the hearing. Senator Dick Durbin argued that Blanche had continued to function more as Trump’s personal attorney than as an independent Justice Department official.
Toward the end of the hearing, Republican Senator John Kennedy asked Blanche whether he considered Trump a friend. Blanche initially replied that he was Trump’s lawyer before immediately correcting himself, noting that he had been the president’s attorney and now serves as Deputy Attorney General while awaiting the Senate’s decision on his nomination.
