4 highlights from Acting Atty. Gen. Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing Wednesday for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the U.S. Department of Justice on a permanent basis. Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April, when Trump removed his predecessor, Pam Bondi, from the role.
Blanche must win majority support on the Senate Judiciary Committee for his nomination to advance to the full Senate. Republicans hold 12 of the committee's 22 seats, meaning a single GOP defection could sink his nomination in a tied vote. Republicans hold 53 of the Senate's 100 seats overall. Blanche's path has grown more uncertain following the recent death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a Judiciary Committee member who had been expected to be a strong advocate for Blanche among his Republican colleagues.
Blanche was previously confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate to the position of deputy attorney general last year in a 52-46 vote that fell along party lines, with all support coming from Republicans and all opposition from Democrats.
The confirmation hearing touched on a wide range of issues, including the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and a settlement shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits. Here are four highlights from Blanche's confirmation hearing.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
