WASHINGTON — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced intense bipartisan scrutiny during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing as lawmakers questioned whether President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer could lead the Justice Department independently if confirmed as the nation's attorney general.
Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since April, defended his record throughout the lengthy hearing, telling senators he had worked to restore public confidence in the department and would enforce the law without political influence. He rejected Democratic accusations that the Justice Department had been used to target Trump's political opponents and insisted his decisions had been guided by the law rather than personal loyalty to the president.
Democratic senators repeatedly pressed Blanche over his previous role as Trump's defense attorney, the department's handling of investigations involving Trump's critics, and its approach to files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Blanche acknowledged mistakes had been made in the handling of some matters but maintained that the department remained committed to integrity and accountability. He also pledged to meet with victims connected to the Epstein case.
Several Republican senators also voiced concerns, focusing on a controversial settlement that created a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals who claimed they had been politically targeted. Blanche told lawmakers the fund was effectively defunct and said the Justice Department supported legislation to ensure it could not be revived, though some Republicans questioned whether the underlying agreement remained legally enforceable.
Lawmakers from both parties also questioned Blanche about press freedom following criticism of the department's efforts to investigate leaks involving journalists. Blanche said subpoenas had been directed only at unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information and denied that reporters themselves were being targeted.
In prepared remarks and testimony, Blanche said the department's priorities included reducing violent crime, combating drug cartels and restoring confidence in federal law enforcement. He argued those goals would remain his focus if confirmed to the position permanently.
The confirmation hearing highlighted divisions within the Senate, with some Republican lawmakers indicating they remained undecided about Blanche's nomination despite the party's majority. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on whether to advance the nomination before it can be considered by the full Senate, though no timetable for a final confirmation vote had been officially announced.
