Todd Blanche confirmation hearing: Trump DOJ policies, Epstein files, Jan 6 pardons dominate Senate grilling

Senate Scrutiny Focuses on Trump DOJ Policies, Epstein Files, and Jan 6 Pardons During Todd Blanche’s Confirmation Hearing

Todd Blanche confirmation hearing – On Wednesday, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche endured rigorous questioning from both parties during his Senate confirmation hearing. The session centered on defending the Trump administration’s Justice Department strategies, addressing concerns about past controversies, and securing enough backing from Republicans to become the permanent attorney general.

Rebuilding Public Trust

Blanche opened the hearing by emphasizing the department’s efforts to restore faith after years of political influence. He stated, “We are restoring trust,” highlighting his commitment to repairing the Justice Department’s reputation.

“In recent years, Americans watched the Justice Department turn against many of you and a former president, and it damaged the public’s faith in justice,” Blanche said. “We are fixing that.”

Republican Hesitation

Key Republican senators remained divided, with John Cornyn expressing lingering doubts about Blanche’s record. Cornyn noted, “I continue to have some concerns” and “I’m not going to make any decisions at this point,” indicating his indecision.

Senator Thom Tillis, however, appeared more supportive, urging Blanche to ensure a controversial compensation fund for alleged victims of government “weaponization” could not be reactivated. Blanche affirmed, “Absolutely,” in response.

Tax Audit Immunity Deal

Democrats pressed Blanche on a settlement granting Trump and his family immunity from IRS tax audits. He defended the agreement, asserting, “Nobody is above the law,” and clarified that settlements “don’t make any of those individuals above the law.”

“When we enter the settlements like that … it doesn’t make any of those individuals above the law,” Blanche said.

Compensation Fund Status

Cornyn also raised questions about a proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate individuals claiming unfair targeting by the government. Blanche insisted the initiative had been effectively abandoned, stating, “I never started. No money went from the Treasury to any other account. There’s no commissioners. It’s not moving forward.”

“I never started. No money went from the Treasury to any other account. There’s no commissioners. It’s not moving forward,” Blanche added.

Jan. 6 Pardons

Blanche defended Trump’s authority to issue pardons for those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He stated, “I don’t question President Trump’s authority,” citing constitutional power to pardon federal crimes.

“I don’t question President Trump’s authority,” Blanche said. “The Constitution gives presidents the power to pardon anybody for any federal crime.”

When asked about his pride in the pardons, Blanche replied, “I wasn’t celebrating it,” though he described them as “very generous.”

Epstein Documents and Victims

Blanche acknowledged errors in handling Jeffrey Epstein-related files but maintained officials acted to safeguard victims. He expressed empathy for survivors, saying, “My heart breaks for every survivor,” and pledged to prosecute anyone who harmed them.

“My heart breaks for every survivor,” Blanche said. “I would be willing to prosecute anyone who did any harm to any of these victims.”

FBI Director Clash

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse questioned Blanche about FBI Director Kash Patel’s travel and use of government aircraft. Blanche dismissed the criticism, declaring, “Full faith” in Patel and calling Whitehouse’s inquiry “extraordinarily obnoxious.”

Legal Oath Commitment

Republican Senator John Kennedy probed Blanche on whether Trump had ever asked him to commit legal violations. Blanche responded, “Absolutely not,” and reiterated his loyalty to the Constitution.

“If it were to happen, I’m not going to violate my oath to the Constitution,” Blanche replied.

The confirmation process remains uncertain, as Blanche requires unified Republican support to pass the Senate Judiciary Committee. While some senators signaled approval, key figures like Cornyn remain unconvinced, leaving room for potential hurdles in his nomination.