Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing to become the permanent attorney general, facing sharp questions from Democrats and some Republicans over his decision to grant President Trump immunity from IRS audits, his family ties to the gun industry, and the Justice Department's handling of high-profile cases. The hearing, which began at 9:29 a.m. EDT, is expected to be a pivotal moment for Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since President Trump fired Pam Bondi in April. The Guardian reports that senators are expected to grill Blanche over the Epstein files and cases against Trump's political rivals.

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Senators on the judiciary committee kicked off the confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche to serve as the attorney general at 9:29 a.m. EDT. The committee chair, Republican Chuck Grassley, noted that the lawmakers would consider Blanche for a promotion, reminding the panel that Blanche was previously confirmed and served as deputy attorney general under Pam Bondi. Grassley stated that the committee was not starting from a blank slate and that Blanche had a track record. He also used his opening statement to flag new records released by the judiciary committee showing that former special counsel Jack Smith obtained text messages that 44 members of Congress sent to White House officials during the final weeks of Donald Trump's first term. The Guardian

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, reiterated concerns about the president's former personal lawyer leading the Justice Department and serving as the nation's top law enforcement officer. Durbin noted that since Blanche was confirmed as deputy attorney general last year, the Justice Department has been accused of violating dozens of court orders to advance Mr. Trump's agenda. He criticized Blanche for numerous matters, including the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, the department's handling of the public disclosure of the Epstein files, and his meeting with... CBS News

IRS Audit Immunity Order

A central issue in the hearing is Blanche's decision to grant President Trump protection from IRS audits. According to NYT Politics, the acting attorney general's order granting Trump immunity from IRS audits is set to be a key point of contention. The decision has raised legal and ethical questions about the independence of the Justice Department and its role in protecting the president from routine oversight.

Family Ties to Gun Industry

Democrats and gun control advocates have raised concerns about Blanche's comments regarding Check-Mate Industries, a company led by his mother-in-law that manufactures magazines. The NYT Politics reports that these family ties are likely to prompt questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially given the Justice Department's role in enforcing gun laws.

Political Context

Blanche's nomination is broadly a referendum on President Trump's vision of the Justice Department as a projection of his power, according to NYT Politics. The nomination comes at a time when the Justice Department has been involved in controversial actions, including the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and prosecutions of Trump's perceived political enemies, such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. CBS News

The hearing also takes place against the backdrop of broader political tensions, including U.S. military strikes against Iran and the reimposition of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by The Hill. However, the focus remains on Blanche's qualifications and his actions as acting attorney general.

What Officials and Groups Are Saying

During the hearing, Senator Grassley emphasized that Blanche had a track record and that Democrats had relentlessly attacked the department and Trump's leadership. Senator Durbin, meanwhile, argued that Blanche was still acting as President Trump's personal attorney, a concern echoed by many Democrats. Gun control advocates have expressed alarm over Blanche's family ties to the gun industry, suggesting that his impartiality on gun policy could be compromised. Republican senators, including Tillis and Cornyn, have expressed doubts about the nomination, and a single Republican no vote could sink it, according to NYT Politics.

Timeline

  • April 2026: President Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi; Todd Blanche becomes acting attorney general. CBS News
  • June 2026: Trump nominates Blanche to serve as attorney general permanently. CBS News
  • July 15, 2026: Senate Judiciary Committee holds confirmation hearing for Blanche. The Guardian

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Todd Blanche's background?

Blanche served as President Trump's personal criminal defense attorney before joining the Justice Department as deputy attorney general in Trump's second administration. He became acting attorney general after Pam Bondi was fired in April 2026. CBS News

Why is the IRS audit immunity order controversial?

The order grants President Trump protection from IRS audits, which critics argue undermines the independence of the Justice Department and shields the president from routine oversight. NYT Politics

What are the concerns about Blanche's family ties to the gun industry?

Blanche's mother-in-law leads Check-Mate Industries, a company that manufactures gun magazines. Democrats and gun control advocates worry this could create a conflict of interest in his role as attorney general. NYT Politics

Could Blanche's nomination fail?

Yes. With Republicans holding a slim majority, a single Republican no vote could sink his nomination. Senators Tillis and Cornyn have expressed doubts. NYT Politics

What other issues are being raised at the hearing?

Senators are also questioning Blanche about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files, the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, and prosecutions of Trump's political rivals. CBS News

What Happens Next

The Senate Judiciary Committee will continue questioning Blanche throughout the day. After the hearing, the committee will vote on whether to advance his nomination to the full Senate. Given the narrow Republican majority and the doubts expressed by some GOP senators, the outcome remains uncertain. If confirmed, Blanche would lead the Justice Department during a period of intense political scrutiny and ongoing legal battles. Readers should follow the hearing closely as it will shape the future of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.