Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is currently undergoing a rigorous confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with his path to confirmation uncertain as key Republican senators remain noncommittal.

During the hearing on Thursday, July 16th, 2026, Blanche faced probing questions regarding the Department of Justice's independence from the White House, the handling of millions of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (known as the Epstein Files), and complaints about election fraud. The hearing also addressed the status of a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, created under a settlement involving former President Donald Trump, his family, and the IRS. Blanche acknowledged the fund remains "enforceable" but is not currently moving forward.

Two Republican senators, including John Cornyn, have withheld their commitment on whether they will support Blanche's confirmation. Cornyn expressed concerns about the anti-weaponization fund but declined to disclose how he would vote, stating, "The hearing is not even halfway done. And so, you know, I don't have to make a decision now, so I'm not."

The confirmation process has been contentious, with some criticism directed at Blanche's previous role as Trump's lawyer. Senator Durbin remarked, "Anyone who can represent a known pathological liar like Donald Trump can have no integrity."

Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General John Yoo provided context on the historical challenges of attorney general appointments and executive power during the hearing.

Blanche is expected to continue facing questioning as the Senate Judiciary Committee proceeds with his confirmation process.

Sources

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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is sworn in during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)