Todd Blanche faces intense questioning over DOJ controversies during his AG confirmation hearing.
- Key issues include the Jeffrey Epstein files and a controversial settlement involving Donald Trump.
- The settlement proposed audit immunity for Trump and created an $1.8 billion fund.
- Blanche defended DOJ’s transparency but faced criticism for redaction errors and handling of Epstein files.
- He declined to commit under oath to meet Epstein survivors, drawing criticism.
- Blanche clarified that the $1.8 billion fund is “dead” but language has not been formally amended.
- GOP Senators Cornyn and Tillis secured assurances to advance Blanche’s nomination.
- Senate confirmed Blanche by a narrow 50-49 vote despite bipartisan concerns.
In a high-stakes confirmation hearing, Todd Blanche, nominee for Attorney General, faced rigorous scrutiny over his role in the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and a controversial settlement involving President Trump. The hearing, which took place on July 15, 2026, was marked by inquiries from the Senate Judiciary Committee about a settlement proposal that would grant audit immunity to Trump and his family and establish a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was particularly vocal, questioning Blanche about the settlement’s unusual terms. A federal judge had previously criticized the IRS lawsuit that led to the settlement as being filed for an “improper purpose,” referring Blanche and others for possible disciplinary action. Blanche defended the Department’s transparency in releasing the Epstein files, despite redaction errors, and asserted that his team was working tirelessly to correct mistakes.
During the hearing, Blanche apologized for the redaction errors but refused to commit under oath to meeting with Epstein survivors within 30 days, as demanded by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin. The refusal to meet with survivors drew criticism, especially as Blanche’s meeting with them later was described as dismissive and “demoralizing.”
Blanche attempted to clarify the terms of the settlement, stating that the $1.8 billion fund was “dead” and the audit immunity was not applicable to future audits, only retroactively to existing claims. Despite the settlement language not being formally amended, Blanche assured that the Department had no plans to proceed with the fund.
Amidst a backdrop of bipartisan concern and survivor criticism, Blanche’s nomination advanced after he secured a deal with Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis. They obtained written assurances that the fund was terminated and the audit immunity was narrowed. Ultimately, Blanche was confirmed as Attorney General by a narrow 50-49 vote in the Senate, marking the conclusion of an intensely scrutinized confirmation process.
For more detailed information, the full story can be found on ABC News.