Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing to become the permanent head of the Justice Department, facing bipartisan scrutiny over his close ties to President Donald Trump, the department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and a controversial settlement with the IRS that a federal judge recently nullified. The hearing comes after President Trump dismissed former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, with Blanche serving in the interim. BBC News reported that Blanche faces a razor-thin margin for confirmation, with Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis previously critical of the settlement agreement.

Blanche's Relationship with Trump Under the Microscope

Throughout the hearing, senators pressed Blanche on his personal and professional relationship with President Trump. Blanche served as Trump's criminal defense attorney in three of four major cases, including the New York hush-money trial. When Republican Senator John Kennedy asked whether Blanche considered Trump a friend, Blanche responded by describing himself as Trump's lawyer, before correcting himself to say he was his lawyer. Blanche noted that few people who have had a criminal defense attorney would call that person a friend. PBS NewsHour reported on this exchange. Kennedy also asked whether Trump had ever asked Blanche to do something illegal. Blanche said the president had not, and when asked if he would comply if asked, Blanche replied that he absolutely would not. PBS NewsHour

Blanche sought to downplay his close alliance with Trump, according to The Guardian, and tried to distance himself from decisions regarding January 6 rioters. He also defended his handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Democratic senators pressed Blanche on whether he would operate independently from Trump, who has vowed retribution against political enemies. Blanche insisted he does not merely do the president's bidding and would resign if ever asked to do anything illegal or unethical. The Guardian

The Anti-Weaponization Fund Controversy

A central focus of the hearing was the controversial settlement between Trump and the IRS, which included the creation of a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund at the Justice Department to compensate individuals who believed they were unfairly targeted by the government. The deal also granted immunity from future tax audits to Trump, his two oldest sons, his company, and related entities. CBS News reported that a federal judge in Miami rebuked the Justice Department and sanctioned an attorney for Trump in the IRS case, finding the president pursued the lawsuit for an improper purpose. The ruling raised questions about whether Blanche and Stanley Woodward, the No. 3 official at the Justice Department, violated ethical rules. The judge barred them from citing the provisions of the deal as evidence of a settlement in any formal court or government proceeding.

Blanche told lawmakers that the fund is a moot issue and that there is no weaponization fund. He stated that the weaponization fund is dead and should never be paid out. CBS News However, Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas noted that the settlement agreement states that any modifications must be made upon the written agreement of the parties. Cornyn asked whether there had been a written agreement to modify the settlement fund. Blanche acknowledged that no such written agreement had been filed. CBS News Senator Mike Lee, a Republican, asked Blanche whether he had any reason to believe the fund would continue. Blanche expressed confidence that it would not. BBC News

Epstein Files and Other Questions

Senators also questioned Blanche about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files. The release of those files had been a point of contention, leading to the dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi. BBC News reported that Blanche defended the department's actions during the hearing. NBC News noted that Epstein survivors were in attendance for the hearing. NBC News

Beyond the Epstein files, Blanche faced questions on crime statistics and recent ICE-involved shootings. Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned Blanche about ICE-involved shootings, according to NBC News. NBC News

Political Context and Confirmation Outlook

Blanche's confirmation is far from certain. The Guardian reported that he faces a razor-thin margin for confirmation from the committee, where he likely cannot afford to lose a single Republican vote. GOP committee members John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have been sharply critical of the slush fund agreement in the past. Cornyn said during a hearing break that he was undecided on Blanche's nomination. The Guardian The bipartisan criticism reflects broader concerns about the Justice Department's independence under the Trump administration.

Timeline

  • April 2026: President Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi; Todd Blanche becomes acting attorney general. BBC News
  • July 14, 2026: A federal judge in Miami nullifies the Trump-IRS settlement, including the anti-weaponization fund. CBS News
  • July 15, 2026: Blanche appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing. BBC News

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the anti-weaponization fund?

The anti-weaponization fund was a $1.8 billion fund created as part of a settlement between President Trump and the IRS. It was intended to compensate individuals who believed they were unfairly targeted by the government. A federal judge nullified the settlement, and Blanche has stated the fund is dead. CBS News

Why is Blanche's relationship with Trump a concern?

Blanche served as Trump's personal attorney in multiple criminal cases before joining the Justice Department. Senators from both parties questioned whether he could operate independently from Trump, who has vowed retribution against political enemies. Blanche insisted he would resign if asked to do anything illegal. PBS NewsHour

What happened with the Epstein files?

The Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files was a key topic. Blanche defended the department's actions. The issue contributed to the firing of former Attorney General Pam Bondi. BBC News

What is the outlook for Blanche's confirmation?

Blanche faces a narrow path to confirmation. Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have been critical of the IRS settlement, and Cornyn said he was undecided. Blanche likely cannot afford to lose a single Republican vote on the committee. The Guardian

What did Blanche say about January 6?

Blanche tried to distance himself from decisions regarding January 6 rioters during the hearing, according to The Guardian. He did not provide specific details on his position.

What Happens Next

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Blanche's nomination in the coming days. If approved by the committee, his nomination will proceed to the full Senate for a vote. Given the bipartisan concerns raised during the hearing, particularly over the IRS settlement and his independence from Trump, Blanche's confirmation remains uncertain. The outcome will have significant implications for the Justice Department's direction under the Trump administration, including its handling of politically sensitive cases and its commitment to independence from White House influence.