Todd Blanche, the Acting Attorney General, aimed to establish his independence from President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee. ‘President Trump trusts me to give him counsel,’ declared Blanche, previously Trump’s defense lawyer. ‘Counsel does not mean a yes man.’
Blanche opened by stating his intent to earn the lawmakers’ trust once again, and he welcomed tough questions about critical discussions from the past year. Senators took this opportunity to question Blanche on his ties to Trump, the Justice Department’s management of the Epstein files, and Trump’s IRS lawsuit settlement.
Blanche stepped into his role following former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s dismissal in early April. In March 2025, the Senate confirmed Blanche as Deputy Attorney General. Committee Chair Senator Chuck Grassley remarked, ‘The Senate has already judged your fitness for high office and confirmed you as the department’s second-in-command. Today, we consider you for a promotion, and we’re not starting with a blank slate.’
Grassley added that Blanche should take pride in fulfilling the law enforcement promises made to the American people during the 2024 elections. However, Senator Cory Booker voiced opposition to Blanche’s confirmation, claiming Blanche failed in handling Epstein victims, politically motivated prosecutions, and avoiding corporate impropriety.
Major Takeaways from the Confirmation Hearing
Blanche’s Comments on the IRS Settlement
Since assuming his role, Blanche faced scrutiny over a settlement related to Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over IRS leaks. The deal granted Trump immunity from tax audits and created an anti-weaponization fund, which was later scrapped. A federal judge recently criticized the lawsuit as having an ‘improper purpose.’
During the hearing, Blanche clarified to Senator John Cornyn that he did not discuss the settlement with Trump until the case was concluded. However, Blanche refrained from commenting on advising Trump against the fund’s creation when questioned by Senator Chris Coons. Blanche repeatedly stated that the Department has ended the fund, despite the lack of formal written confirmation.
Handling of the Epstein Files
Blanche addressed scrutiny over the management of Jeffrey Epstein’s case files, explaining the extensive effort to review millions of documents following the Epstein Transparency Act. Although assured of corrective actions, Blanche acknowledged redaction errors and insisted on responsibility for mistakes.
He stated that the Department has engaged with numerous victims and representatives, contrary to claims of refusal to speak with survivors. Blanche emphasized the ongoing possibility of prosecutions if new evidence emerges, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Immigration Agent-Related Deaths
Recent incidents involving federal immigration officers prompted questions on policies and procedures. Senator Richard Blumenthal queried whether agents should fire their weapons into vehicles only when facing imminent threats. Blanche confirmed adherence to established standards.
When discussing investigations into officer-involved shootings, Blanche indicated each agency carries out its inquiries, involving their inspector general. Senator Alex Padilla questioned the Department’s role, expressing concerns over the lack of justice in previous cases.
Additional Remarks
On Trump’s January 6 pardons, Blanche acknowledged the Constitution grants the president power to pardon without questioning Trump’s choices. Regarding the impeachment of judges, he did not support such actions against those ruling against Trump, differing from the president’s past stance.
Blanche commented on subpoenas affecting journalists, denying any targeting of reporters and underscoring the importance of safeguarding classified national security information.
Support for a free press and civil dialogue remains essential, highlighting the need for trust in journalism.
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