Todd Blanche confirmation hearing: Trump’s Justice Department policies, Epstein files, pardons dominate Senate grilling Jan. 6 | Today’s news
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced intense questioning from both Republicans and Democrats during his Senate hearing Wednesday, defending the Trump administration’s controversial Justice Department policies while trying to secure enough Republican support to become attorney general permanently.
Blanche, a former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump who has been leading the Justice Department on an interim basis since April, used his opening remarks to argue that the department is restoring public trust after what he described as years of politicization.
“We restore trust”
At the start of the hearing, Blanche said his leadership is focused on repairing trust in the Justice Department.
“In recent years, Americans have watched the Justice Department turn against many of you and the former president, and it has damaged public confidence in justice,” Blanche said. “We’re fixing it.”
He also highlighted the administration’s priorities, including reducing violent crime, combating drug trafficking, targeting cartels and prosecuting fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs.
Key Republicans remain undecided
One of the biggest moments of the hearing came when Republican Senator John Cornyn refused to voice his support, saying he still had reservations about Blanche’s record.
“I still have some concerns” and “I’m not going to make any decisions at this point,” Cornyn said after questioning Blanche.
In contrast, Senator Thom Tillis appeared more forthcoming, urging Blanche to ensure that a controversial compensation fund for alleged victims of government “weaponisation” cannot be revived.
Blanche replied, “Absolutely.”
He defends Trump’s tax immunity deal
Democrats have repeatedly attacked Blanche over the settlement, which shields Trump and members of his family from IRS tax audits.
Blanche insisted that the arrangement was legally sound.
“No one is above the law,” Blanche said. “When we enter settlements like this… it doesn’t make any of those individuals above the law.
He also rejected claims that the deal put Trump beyond legal scrutiny.
Says $1.8 billion compensation fund is ‘dead’
Cornyn also questioned Blanche about the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate individuals who say they have been unfairly targeted by the government.
Blanche claimed that the proposal was effectively abandoned.
“I never started. No money went from the Treasury to any other account. There are no commissioners. It’s not moving forward.”
He added that Congress could codify language that would prevent any future revival of the fund.
Asked through January 6 waiver
Blanche also defended President Trump’s constitutional authority to grant blanket pardons for those accused in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
“I don’t question President Trump’s authority,” Blanche said, noting that the Constitution gives presidents the power to “pardon anybody for any federal crime.”
Asked if he was proud of the pardon, Blanche said, “I didn’t celebrate it,” though he described the pardons as “very generous.”
The Epstein Files and Victims
Blanche acknowledged mistakes in the Justice Department’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, while insisting officials acted to protect victims.
“My heart breaks for every survivor,” Blanche said, adding that he would be willing to prosecute “anyone who harms any of these victims.”
He also said the administration has been “extraordinarily transparent” in releasing Epstein-related files despite criticism about the process.
Clash for FBI Director Kash Patel
Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse questioned Blanche about FBI Director Kash Patel’s travel and use of government aircraft.
Blanche rejected the criticism.
“Full confidence” in Patel, Blanche said, calling Whitehouse’s line of questioning “extremely annoying.”
Trump never asked me to do anything illegal
Republican Senator John Kennedy asked Blanche if Trump had ever demanded that he break the law.
Blanche replied, “Absolutely not.”
Earlier, when asked if he would resign if ordered to do something unethical, Blanche said:
“If that happens, I will not break my oath to the Constitution.
The confirmation battle remains uncertain
Blanche’s confirmation remains uncertain because she needs unified Republican support to advance through the Senate Judiciary Committee. While some Republicans have signaled support, hesitancy by key senators such as John Cornyn means his nomination may still face obstacles.
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