Todd Blanche appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing as President Trump's nominee to lead the Justice Department. The hearing revealed significant tensions as lawmakers from both parties questioned his close relationship with Trump and his role in the administration's recent decisions.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney and later as deputy attorney general, sought to distance himself from his close ties to the president. When asked directly by Louisiana Senator John Kennedy whether the two men were friends, Blanche initially said "I'm his lawyer" before correcting himself to "Was his lawyer." He later emphasized that his role as Trump's counsel did not make him a "yes man," and he claimed to have disagreed with the president on occasions, including on whether Trump was eligible to run for a third term.
The hearing focused on several controversial matters. Blanche faced pointed questioning about a settlement agreement between the Justice Department and Trump over a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. The deal included a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate victims of alleged government weaponization, though Blanche acknowledged the term was not specifically defined. The agreement also granted Trump, his family, and his businesses immunity from tax audits. A federal judge on Monday criticized the arrangement as collusive. Facing bipartisan backlash, Blanche scrapped the fund.
Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, both critical of the settlement, pressed Blanche during the hearing. Cornyn remained "undecided" on the nomination, while Tillis seemed to warm to Blanche after he stated that anyone who harmed law enforcement on January 6 should have been prosecuted. Tillis told Blanche he had done a good job.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin raised concerns about the Justice Department's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Blanche acknowledged that the release contained "mistakes," including redaction errors. He defended the department's conduct but said he could not directly meet with Epstein survivors if they were represented by attorneys, though his staff would do so.
When asked by Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar about whether armed agents would be deployed to polls in November, Blanche said he would "absolutely commit to following the law" but did not directly address the concern.
Blanche also defended FBI Director Kash Patel against reports about his drinking habits and use of the FBI's airplane. "I don't think he has any issues drinking," Blanche said. "I don't think there's any issues with morale there."
The confirmation faces a tight margin. Blanche cannot afford to lose a single Republican vote on the committee for his nomination to advance. Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has publicly stated his opposition to the nomination.