Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15 for his confirmation hearing as attorney general, facing scrutiny over his handling of the Epstein files, a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, and prosecutions of Trump’s perceived political opponents.
Blanche, Trump’s former personal criminal defense attorney, has served as deputy attorney general since March 2025 and became acting attorney general in April after Trump fired Pam Bondi. He was confirmed to the deputy role by a vote of 52 to 46. The two-day confirmation hearing is scheduled for July 15 and 16, according to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Democrats and some Republicans have raised concerns about Blanche’s tenure as acting attorney general. More than 1,200 former Justice Department employees signed a letter urging the Senate to reject his confirmation, according to CBS News. The letter stated that “Blanche has fired or overseen the firings of hundreds of these employees — usually without notice, and for improper, unlawful reasons.”
The Epstein files handling emerged as a central controversy. According to The New York Times, Blanche’s handling of the Epstein files has drawn criticism from victims, lawmakers, and others who say he bungled the work. A federal judge in Miami issued a scathing rebuke on Monday of Trump, his lawyers, and the Justice Department over their conduct related to Trump’s civil lawsuit against the IRS and the subsequent settlement. Judge Kathleen Williams questioned whether Blanche violated ethical standards governing conflicts of interest and directed a copy of her order to be mailed to the State Bar of New York, of which Blanche is a member, according to CBS News.
Blanche is also expected to face questions about the Justice Department’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was created as part of a deal to settle Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS. The fund faced swift backlash from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle when it was announced in May. Blanche told House members in June that the Justice Department was “not moving forward” with the fund, but he declined to put that commitment in writing, according to CBS News. The Justice Department also rebuffed a federal judge’s request for Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sign a sworn declaration attesting to the status of the fund.
Senators are also likely to question Blanche about federal prosecutions of officials whom the president has attacked, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and former CIA Director John Brennan. Comey was indicted in April on charges of allegedly making threats against the president, stemming from a photo he posted to Instagram showing seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.” James faced criminal charges of bank fraud and lying to a financial institution, though both cases were tossed out in November after a judge ruled that the interim U.S. attorney who sought them had been unlawfully appointed.
Republicans control the majority of seats on the Judiciary Committee, and Blanche will need the support of all GOP lawmakers to advance his nomination, according to CBS News. Some Republicans have signaled they may support him. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina told reporters Tuesday that he is “inclined to back his nomination,” though he said he would need assurances about the anti-weaponization fund.
Sources
- CBS News — Blanche’s background, confirmation hearing details, Epstein files controversy, anti-weaponization fund, judge’s rebuke, former DOJ employees’ letter, prosecutions of Trump opponents, Republican positions
- The New York Times — Blanche’s role in Epstein files handling and criticism from victims and lawmakers
- Senate Judiciary Committee — Official confirmation hearing date and location
- The Washington Post — Blanche’s expected grilling on DOJ controversies and confirmation hearing details
