Trump AG pick hangs by a thread as key GOP senators refuse to commit

Senate Judiciary Committee Questions Blanche on DOJ Role and Anti-Weaponization Fund

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a second day of confirmation hearings, with two Republican senators remaining undecided on his nomination. The proceedings centered on the Justice Department’s independence, the handling of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and the status of an anti-weaponization fund established through a May 2026 settlement.

The fund originated from a DOJ agreement resolving Trump v. IRS litigation concerning tax return leaks. Under the terms, $1.776 billion was allocated to address claims of government weaponization. Blanche testified that the fund remained enforceable under the settlement but was not advancing.

Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas, both Republicans on the committee, have not stated whether they will support confirmation. Cornyn questioned the fund’s structure and the underlying IRS settlement. He noted that additional information could emerge during the hearing and declined to commit to a vote at that stage. Tillis focused on whether the fund could be permanently terminated through legislation. Blanche indicated willingness to support such measures, which Tillis described as evidence that the nominee believed the administration would back an end to the program.

Blanche, who previously served as personal counsel to President Trump, addressed questions about his relationship with the president. When Sen. John Kennedy asked whether he considered himself the president’s friend, Blanche replied that he had been Trump’s lawyer and was now serving as deputy attorney general. Cornyn observed that the nominee was attempting to maintain a difficult separation between prior representation and current duties.

Democratic members of the committee expressed opposition. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois criticized Blanche’s prior representation of Trump and questioned his capacity to lead the department independently. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware acknowledged Blanche’s prosecutorial experience but stated that his background should have led him to avoid involvement in any perceived use of the department for political purposes.

The hearing also examined the release of materials related to the Epstein investigation. Blanche was asked whether he would meet with individuals who had been affected by the case. Committee members sought assurances that the department would operate without regard to external political direction.

Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General John Yoo provided historical context on attorney general confirmations, noting that past nominees have faced similar questions regarding the balance between executive authority and departmental autonomy. The committee is scheduled to continue its review before any vote on the nomination.

Blanche’s responses on the fund’s enforceability and the Epstein documents formed the primary points of discussion on the first day. Republican senators expressed concern that the fund could remain available for future claims, while Democratic senators focused on the nominee’s prior professional ties and statements about departmental priorities. No senator on the panel has indicated a final position beyond the two Republicans who have withheld commitments.