Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Grilled During Senate Confirmation Hearing

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony Wednesday from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom Trump has nominated to fill the role permanently. Democrats grilled Blanche over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, the Trump administration’s so-called anti-weaponization fund and President Trump’s settlement with the IRS. Blanche was also questioned about serving as President Trump’s personal lawyer. Sen. John Kennedy: “Are you and President Trump friends?” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche: “I’m his lawyer — was his lawyer, and now I’m the deputy attorney general. So, I met him as his criminal defense attorney. I’m not sure there’s very many people who have ever had a criminal defense attorney who calls that person their friend.” Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas signaled that he was undecided on Blanche. A “no” vote from Senator Cornyn would effectively sink Blanche’s confirmation for attorney general. www.democracynow.org