WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Thursday continued hearings on President Donald Trump's nominees for key Justice Department leadership posts, with lawmakers scrutinizing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's record and independence as the administration seeks to secure confirmation for one of its highest-profile legal appointments.
The Senate Judiciary Committee reconvened for a second day of hearings on Blanche's nomination for attorney general after questioning him for several hours on Wednesday. Thursday's session featured testimony from outside witnesses, including former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, former Justice Department Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer, law enforcement representatives and others scheduled to address Blanche's qualifications and the department's direction.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney and has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity, faced bipartisan questioning over whether he would maintain the department's independence from the White House if confirmed.
During Wednesday's hearing, Democratic senators pressed Blanche on issues including the Justice Department's handling of matters related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, pardons issued in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and investigations involving political opponents. Blanche rejected assertions that he would use the department for political purposes and told lawmakers he would uphold the rule of law and exercise independent judgment if confirmed.
Republican senators focused much of their questioning on the department's efforts to combat violent crime, drug trafficking and border-related offenses, while also seeking assurances that Blanche would restore public confidence in federal law enforcement, according to proceedings before the committee.
The hearings come as the Senate considers several nominees for senior national security and justice positions. On Wednesday, the Senate Intelligence Committee also questioned Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, who was asked about Justice Department subpoenas issued to journalists during his tenure as U.S. attorney and about intelligence oversight. Clayton defended the subpoenas as part of a national security leak investigation while saying they were not intended to target the press.
Confirmation of an attorney general requires Senate approval. Following the completion of the public hearings, the Judiciary Committee is expected to determine whether to advance Blanche's nomination to the full Senate for consideration, although no final confirmation vote had been scheduled as of Thursday.
