- Todd Blanche has been confirmed by the Senate as the US attorney general despite facing criticism over the department's deal to create a $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund and give the president, his sons, and business tax immunity.
- Blanche also faced heavy criticism for the department's sloppy rollout of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which redacted information that should not have been redacted and left unredacted the names of victims that should have been kept private.
- During his confirmation hearing, Blanche refused to personally meet with Epstein victims, then agreed to do so.
- Senator Collins stated her opposition, citing the department's increasing politicization and actions eroding independence.
- Senator Murkowski explained her opposition, citing the nearly $2-billion slush fund which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters, and noted that the fund is only off the table because the nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage.
- Senator Cassidy defended his vote, saying: “Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche. It is between Mr Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump and who indeed may not be as good as Mr Blanche.”
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general, marking a significant victory for former President Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy's decisive vote came after two Republicans opposed Blanche, while all Democrats rejected his nomination.1
Blanche faced scrutiny over a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. Critics, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, expressed concerns about the fund potentially rewarding January 6 protesters, stating, “I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund...is only off the table because this nomination is pending.”25
During his confirmation hearing, Blanche was criticized for the department's mishandling of Epstein files, which included inappropriate redactions. He initially refused to meet with Epstein victims but later agreed to do so. Senator Susan Collins voiced her opposition, stating, “Mr. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the department’s independence.”3
Despite the controversies, Cassidy defended Blanche, arguing that the choice was between him and an acting attorney general who may not effectively run the department under Trump. He stated, “It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively.”
“Cassidy defended his vote, saying the choice is between Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under Trump. Murkowski opposed, citing a nearly $2-billion slush fund that likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters, and Collins cited eroded DOJ independence.”
The Guardian
