Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday as part of his confirmation hearing, enduring hours of questioning while working to lock down the votes he needs from every Republican senator on the panel.
While Blanche maintained a steady demeanor for much of the session, the hearing was not without friction. Several rounds of questioning grew contentious as senators pressed him on a range of issues.
The confirmation process comes as the Justice Department has faced increased scrutiny during Blanche’s time as acting attorney general. Among the issues drawing attention are the department’s involvement in pushing President Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and questions surrounding how the department has handled the Epstein files.
Blanche will need to hold together Republican support on the committee if he hopes to advance his nomination toward a full Senate confirmation vote.
