Todd Blanche downplayed his close relationship with Donald Trump during his Senate confirmation hearing to become deputy attorney general, insisting he is not a "yes man" and would resign if asked to do anything illegal. The hearing, held before the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighted the delicate balance Blanche must strike as a former Trump personal attorney now seeking to lead the Justice Department's second-highest position.
Key Moments from the Confirmation Hearing
Blanche faced sharp questioning from both Republican and Democratic senators regarding his handling of sensitive files, including those related to Jeffrey Epstein, and a settlement agreement that created a $1.8 billion slush fund granting the president and his family immunity from audits. Senator John Cornyn of Texas expressed being "undecided" on Blanche's nomination, while Senator Thom Tillis has been critical of the slush fund agreement in the past.
Blanche's Relationship with Trump
When pressed by Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana about whether he and Trump were friends, Blanche initially responded, "I'm his lawyer," before quickly correcting himself: "Was his lawyer." This slip underscored the ongoing scrutiny over Blanche's independence from the president. Blanche stated, "President Trump trusts me to give him counsel. Counsel does not mean I’m a yes man." He also noted he has disagreed with Trump at times and does not believe the president is eligible to run for a third term.
Comparison: Blanche vs. Previous Deputy Attorneys General
| Official | Prior Role | Key Controversy | Confirmation Vote Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Todd Blanche | Trump Personal Attorney | $1.8B slush fund, Epstein files | Razor-thin (likely needs all GOP votes) |
| Rod Rosenstein | U.S. Attorney | FBI investigation oversight | 94-6 |
| Sally Yates | Deputy AG (acting) | Refused to defend travel ban | No vote (acting role) |
Key Takeaways from the Hearing
- Blanche distanced himself from January 6 decisions, claiming he had limited involvement in prosecutorial choices regarding rioters.
- He defended his handling of Epstein-related files, stating all procedures were followed.
- GOP senators remain divided, with Cornyn undecided and Tillis critical, making Blanche's path to confirmation uncertain.
- Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April and has advanced Trump's retribution agenda, including purging career employees.
- He pledged to resign if asked to do anything illegal or unethical, a key point for swing voters on the committee.
FAQ
What is Todd Blanche's role in the Justice Department?
Todd Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April, after Trump fired Pam Bondi. He is nominated to become deputy attorney general, the No. 2 position at the department.
Why is Blanche's confirmation hearing controversial?
The hearing is controversial due to Blanche's close ties to Trump, his handling of a $1.8 billion slush fund agreement that grants immunity from audits, and his role in purging career employees connected to Trump investigations.
How likely is Blanche to be confirmed?
Blanche faces a razor-thin margin in the Senate Judiciary Committee and likely cannot afford to lose a single Republican vote. Senator John Cornyn remains undecided, making confirmation uncertain.
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