Confirmation Hearing of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche sought to demonstrate his independence from President Donald Trump during a Wednesday confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. While Blanche acknowledged that Trump trusts him to provide counsel, he emphasized that ‘counsel does not mean a ”yes man.”’

In his opening remarks, Blanche expressed his intention to earn the lawmakers’ ‘trust once more’ and welcomed questions about ‘hard debates of the past year.’ Senators took this opportunity to scrutinize Blanche’s relationship with Trump, the handling of the Epstein files, and Trump’s IRS lawsuit settlement.

Blanche assumed the role of acting attorney general after Pam Bondi’s dismissal in April. His nomination as deputy attorney general was approved by the Senate in March 2025. During the hearing, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, highlighted that Blanche had already been judged suitable for high office as the department’s second in command. Grassley said Blanche ‘should take pride in delivering the law enforcement promise the American people voted for in 2024.’

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., argued against Blanche’s confirmation, labeling the process a ‘performance review’ rather than a traditional confirmation hearing. Booker criticized Blanche on multiple fronts, including the treatment of Epstein victims and politically motivated prosecutions.

Blanche says he didn’t discuss IRS settlement with Trump

Blanche faced intense scrutiny over a settlement in Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit regarding leaked tax returns. The settlement granted Trump immunity from tax audits and proposed a $1.8 billion fund for victims of alleged government ‘weaponization.’ However, this fund was later scrapped following bipartisan controversy. A federal judge criticized Trump’s lawsuit as filed for ‘improper purpose.’

Blanche claimed he did not discuss the IRS settlement with Trump until after the case was resolved. Despite assurances the anti-weaponization fund was ended, several committee members questioned why the Justice Department hadn’t formally declared it dead.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, pressed Blanche on the enforceability of the settlement agreement, emphasizing the need for written modification. Cornyn and Blanche agreed that the document remains enforceable.

Blanche stated Trump can’t force the Department of Justice to establish the fund. He indicated that Trump’s legal team has not contested the department’s decision.

Blanche defended his handling of the Epstein files

Blanche faced extensive questioning regarding the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted Blanche’s role in releasing Epstein-related files. Bipartisan criticism and a congressional investigation have scrutinized the handling of this case.

Blanche justified his actions, citing the extensive review of millions of potentially relevant files after the Epstein Transparency Act was signed into law. He acknowledged mistakes in redactions and took responsibility for errors that exposed survivors’ personal information.

Blanche emphasized efforts to communicate with Epstein’s survivors and their representatives, confirming the department’s willingness to prosecute if new evidence emerges.

Addressing recent deaths at the hands of immigration agents

Blanche confronted questions about recent shootings by federal immigration officers during traffic stops. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., questioned whether the firing of weapons into vehicles should be avoided unless threats are imminent.

Blanche upheld established standards for agents’ use of firearms, recommending these guidelines be consistently followed. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., discussed the Justice Department’s role in investigating officer-involved shootings, citing concerns about inadequate justice in past cases.

Blanche asserted that investigations require time, despite ongoing scrutiny regarding the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by immigration officers in Minneapolis.

More takeaways from the hearing

• Blanche defended the president’s pardon power, stating the Constitution grants Trump the ability to pardon Jan. 6 rioters.
• Blanche opposed impeaching judges who ruled against Trump, diverging from the president’s calls for impeachment.
• When asked about his relationship with Trump, Blanche clarified he was Trump’s criminal defense attorney, not his friend.
• Regarding reporter subpoenas, Blanche asserted that the Justice Department aims to protect classified information.

Journalism and civil dialogue are essential for a healthy democracy. Support trusted sources and public discourse.