Acting Attorney General Faces Challenging Confirmation Hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche underwent a tough confirmation hearing on Wednesday, fielding questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on various issues.
Currently serving as President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Blanche is set to be sworn in as Trump’s nominee for attorney general. Recent developments, including the unexpected passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), have made the atmosphere around confirmation hearings particularly tense, allowing Blanche a bit of leeway.
During the hearing, Blanche asserted that the team he now leads is “restoring confidence” within the Justice Department, which he has been heading as acting attorney general since April.
He faced numerous questions on contentious matters, including his management of the Epstein file, an area that has generated criticism for the previous administration led by Pam Bondi.
“The Biden administration has not been transparent regarding the Epstein case,” Blanche commented. “We have ensured transparency by not only creating the records but also making unredacted versions available. If there were concerns about why certain information was redacted, members of the agency raised that with us, and we addressed those concerns.”
Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) also critiqued Trump’s choice of Blanche, pointing out that it’s common for presidents to nominate friends or associates to key positions.
“Have you ever seen a president appoint someone opposed to them as attorney general?” Kennedy inquired.
“Not yet,” Blanche replied.
Kennedy pressed further, indicating that typically a president selects a qualified friend for such a role, which Blanche conceded. He referenced how past presidents, including Trump, have appointed family or close allies.
Additionally, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) raised concerns about the “anti-weaponization” fund—a measure aimed at compensating individuals who were incorrectly investigated under the Biden administration. This fund was born from a lawsuit Trump had against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“This is a moot issue; the Weaponization Fund is effectively non-existent,” Blanche declared, clarifying that the Settlement Fund isn’t progressing either.
He emphasized, “No money has been transferred; there’s no appointed commissioner, and no advancements have been made.”
Blanche defended FBI Director Kash Patel during the hearing, taking issue with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)’s questioning, which he found to be “deeply disturbing.”
Whitehouse raised a series of uncomfortable queries about Patel’s conduct, including whether his travel could be seen as personal vacations. Blanche, however, expressed full confidence in Patel’s capabilities.
Highlighting the department’s commitment to addressing misconduct, Blanche noted, “In just the past few months, we’ve raised billions. This will remain a priority as long as I’m in my position.”
