Blanche Grilled Over Epstein Files, DOJ Fund at AG Confirmation Hearing

The Blanche confirmation hearing turned into a marathon session on Wednesday as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced pointed questioning from senators over some of the most controversial issues surrounding his tenure. Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in his bid to permanently lead the Justice Department, Blanche fielded tough queries from Democrats and even a few skeptical Republicans.

Over the course of roughly five hours, the hearing touched on everything from the botched release of the Jeffrey Epstein files to a contentious settlement involving President Trump’s tax returns. Here’s a closer look at how it all unfolded.

Apology Over the Epstein Files

One of the most sensitive moments of the hearing centered on the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Blanche openly acknowledged that mistakes had been made during their release, particularly regarding the failure to properly redact sensitive information.

He offered an apology to the survivors whose personal details were left exposed in the documents. However, when pressed, Blanche stopped short of committing to meet with those survivors in person — a reluctance that drew notice from lawmakers on the panel.

Scrutiny Over the Trump Tax Settlement

Another flashpoint involved a settlement the Justice Department reached with President Trump to resolve a lawsuit tied to the disclosure of his tax returns. The agreement has raised eyebrows for the sweeping protections it appears to offer.

Blanche defended a provision that broadly shields the president and his sons from legal liability for past tax violations. The exchange grew especially heated when Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California pressed him on the scope of those protections.

Schiff asked whether Trump would be immune from IRS tax claims this year under the settlement, questioning whether the president would be absolved of liability even if he, his children, or his businesses cheated on their taxes.

Blanche pushed back on that interpretation, explaining that Trump had not yet filed taxes for the relevant period. Because of that, he argued, the agreement would offer no protection once those taxes were actually filed.

The stakes are far from trivial. According to his annual financial disclosure, Trump earned more than $1 billion from crypto-related ventures alone last year, underscoring just how significant any tax liability could be.

Questions About the Settlement Document

Schiff also zeroed in on the specifics of the settlement itself. He referenced a one-page document bearing Blanche’s signature, which declared that the defendants in Trump’s lawsuit — the IRS and the Treasury Department — were permanently barred from pursuing any claims arising from tax returns filed before the settlement took effect in mid-May.

When asked whether he had personally written the document, Blanche said he had not. He added that he did not know who had actually typed it, a response that did little to quiet concerns about the agreement’s origins.

The Fate of the Anti-Weaponization Fund

The hearing also revisited the status of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. Blanche reiterated his earlier position, stating plainly that the fund is dead.

The topic has drawn ongoing attention, and his confirmation that the initiative would not move forward added another layer to an already eventful hearing.

Republican Support Still Uncertain

While the hearing wrapped on a note of praise from committee leadership, Blanche’s path to confirmation is not yet guaranteed. Two influential Republican senators on the panel signaled that they remain undecided:

• Senator John Cornyn of Texas
• Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina

Both told reporters at the Capitol that they still need further assurances from Blanche and the administration before deciding whether to back his nomination. Their hesitation suggests that the road ahead may be more complicated than a simple party-line vote.

A Marathon Session Comes to a Close

After about five hours of testimony, the confirmation hearing finally concluded. Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley offered warm words for the nominee, praising his performance throughout the lengthy session.

Grassley told Blanche he should be proud of how he handled himself, describing him as eminently qualified for the role. He expressed confidence that, if confirmed, Blanche would continue to do what he called a superb job leading the Justice Department.

What Comes Next

With the hearing behind him, Blanche now awaits the committee’s decision on whether to advance his nomination. The lingering uncertainty among key Republicans, combined with sharp criticism from Democrats, means his confirmation is far from a foregone conclusion.

For now, the outcome hinges on whether Blanche can secure the assurances that wavering senators are seeking. As the process moves forward, the unresolved questions raised during the hearing — from the Epstein files to the Trump tax settlement — are likely to remain part of the conversation.