Blanche confirmation hearing set for Wednesday on Capitol Hill
7 reported2 unconfirmed
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing to become the permanent head of the Justice Department. Blanche, who previously served as President Trump’s personal attorney, became acting attorney general in April after Trump removed his first attorney general, Pam Bondi. Democrats, along with a few Republicans, have raised concerns about Blanche’s track record over the past 18 months at the department. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff has accused Blanche of misconduct, alleging he failed to recuse himself from cases involving his former client, the president. Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate, and with Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell absent due to health issues, only a few GOP defections could block Blanche’s nomination. The hearing is expected to be tense, with questions likely focusing on the Justice Department’s independence, investigations into Trump critics, and a settlement involving an anti-weaponization fund.
What’s reported
Blanche will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing.
He became acting attorney general in April after Trump pushed out Pam Bondi.
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff has accused Blanche of misconduct for failing to recuse himself from cases involving Trump.
Republicans hold a slim Senate majority; Mitch McConnell is absent due to health issues.
A federal judge this week blasted Trump and the Justice Department over a settlement, saying Trump’s lawsuit was brought in bad faith.
The $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund from that settlement has been scrapped, but the part shielding Trump and his family from audits of past tax returns remains in place.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, a Judiciary Committee member, opposed the anti-weaponization fund; his vote on Blanche is unclear.
Open questions
Which way Senator Thom Tillis will vote on Blanche’s nomination.
How Blanche will attempt to secure support from all Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and in the full Senate.
Key figures
Todd Blanche, acting attorney general and nominee for permanent attorney general
President Trump
Senator Adam Schiff (Democrat)
Senator Thom Tillis (Republican, North Carolina)
Senator Mitch McConnell (Republican, Kentucky)
Pam Bondi, former attorney general
James Comey, former FBI director
Ryan Lucas, NPR justice correspondent
Sources: NPR
