A United States Senate panel has commenced a two-day confirmation hearing for interim Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is seeking to officially lead the Department of Justice (DOJ), the nation's primary federal law enforcement agency.

The Senate Judiciary Committee began questioning Blanche on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, with sessions continuing through Thursday. Central to the hearings is concern over Blanche’s loyalty to former President Donald Trump and whether he will uphold the DOJ’s independence.

Blanche was confirmed as deputy attorney general in March 2025. Following the April resignation of Pam Bondi, he was appointed acting attorney general. During the hearing, Blanche defended his record by citing FBI data indicating a drop in violent crime in the US in 2025, continuing a downward trend since the COVID-19 pandemic. He also highlighted the DOJ’s efforts to combat cartels and drug trafficking.

Blanche stated, “In recent years, we watched the Justice Department turned against many of you and a former president, and it damaged the public’s faith in justice. We are fixing that.”

However, Senator Durbin sharply criticized Blanche, saying, “In less than 18 months at the Department of Justice, you’ve shown you’re still President Trump’s personal attorney.”

Blanche’s actions have raised questions about the DOJ’s independence under his leadership. The hearing also touched on related issues, including the recent indictment of former FBI director James Comey by the DOJ and the halting of a $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund amid bipartisan backlash.

Sources