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Blanche faces crucial hearing for attorney general post
🇺🇸 United States /Elections & Politics

Blanche faces crucial hearing for attorney general post

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Todd Blanche faces a crucial confirmation hearing Wednesday to become attorney general, with key Republicans undecided on his nomination.
  • He is expected to face scrutiny over the Justice Department's investigations into President Trump's perceived foes, a controversial settlement of Trump's IRS lawsuit, and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
  • Blanche has rejected accusations of political partisanship within the department, asserting its independence while acknowledging Trump's right to express interest in investigations.

Todd Blanche is set for a high-stakes confirmation hearing Wednesday as he seeks to become attorney general, facing uncertainty from key Republicans regarding their support for his nomination. Blanche has been acting attorney general since April and requires the backing of all GOP lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance his bid to lead the Justice Department.

I love you, sir

— Todd BlancheTrump described his close relationship with Todd Blanche, from the courtroom to the DOJ.

The hearing is expected to focus on several contentious issues. These include the department's investigations into individuals considered political opponents of President Donald Trump, a disputed settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, and the management of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. Blanche's close relationship with Trump, forged during his defense of the former president in the New York hush money trial, is also likely to be a central theme, highlighting Blanche's perceived unwavering loyalty.

tough, brilliant, and 100% LOYAL to our Constitution, and the American People.

— Donald TrumpTrump praised Blanche's record at the Justice Department in a social media post.

Democrats have accused Blanche of acting as if he were still Trump's personal attorney, particularly given Trump's stated desire to use the Justice Department against his political rivals. Trump himself publicly praised Blanche on social media, calling him "tough, brilliant, and 100% LOYAL" and urging senators to confirm him promptly.

He is a great lawyer, always very fair, and every Republican Senator should vote to CONFIRM Todd Blanche, ASAP!

— Donald TrumpTrump urged Republican senators to confirm Todd Blanche.

Blanche has consistently denied claims that the Justice Department has been weaponized for political purposes. In a February interview, he stated there was "not a whiff of political partisanship" in the department's actions. While historically the Justice Department has maintained independence from the White House, Blanche has asserted that he feels no pressure from Trump and sees no issue with the president's interest in Justice Department matters. He noted the thousands of ongoing investigations, some involving individuals with whom Trump has had past disputes, stating it is the president's right and duty to ensure such matters are investigated.

there's not a whiff of political partisanship in what we're doing.

— Todd BlancheBlanche rejected accusations that the administration has weaponized the department for political purposes in a February ABC interview.
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Originally published by PBS NewsHour in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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