Todd Blanche Confirmation Hearing: Epstein Survivors Protest, Key Testimony

The Todd Blanche confirmation hearing for attorney general unfolded on July 15, 2026, before the Senate Judiciary Committee, setting the stage for a contentious battle over the direction of the Justice Department. Blanche, an experienced prosecutor and former colleague at the Southern District of New York, has served as deputy attorney general and acting attorney general since March 2025. The hearing drew sharp partisan lines, with Republican support seen as key to his confirmation.

Epstein Survivors Protest at Hearing

As Chairman Chuck Grassley opened the proceedings, about a dozen women walked into the packed committee room wearing white and black t-shirts reading "Epstein survivors are still waiting." Some sat in the remaining seats in the press benches. The protest underscored the scrutiny the Trump administration faces over its handling of the Epstein files and accusations of weaponizing the Justice Department for political retribution.

Grassley Opens with DOJ Successes

Grassley kicked off the hearing by listing what he described as the Department of Justice's successes under President Trump, specifically mentioning crime and immigration. Democrats have already called for the committee to reject Blanche's confirmation, framing the hearing as a referendum on the administration's commitment to prosecutorial independence.

Former Colleagues Speak Out

In a notable development, Mimi Rocah and Perry A. Carbone, lawyers who worked alongside Blanche for several years at the Southern District of New York and once considered him a close friend, wrote an op-ed opposing his nomination. They cited his participation in firing career prosecutors and FBI agents based purely on political considerations. "We regarded Blanche highly at SDNY, but we feel obligated as former officers of the Justice Department to speak plainly — as did more than 1,200 other DOJ alums opposing his nomination," they wrote. Their concern, they stated, is not political, noting that all presidents are entitled to appoint senior Justice Department officials who share their law enforcement priorities.

Blanche's Testimony: 'Restoring Trust'

Blanche told the committee that he is "restoring trust" in the Justice Department. The acting attorney general's claim comes amid a broader debate about the department's independence under the current administration. Senator Durbin asked Blanche to meet with Epstein survivors, and Blanche called a $1.8 billion fund a "mistake," according to Durbin's remarks.

Republican Support Dynamics

Republican support is considered essential for Blanche's confirmation. The hearing is expected to test party unity, with some Republicans expressing concerns about the administration's approach to the DOJ. The outcome will have significant implications for the Justice Department's future direction, particularly regarding high-profile investigations and the handling of politically sensitive cases.

What's Next

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Blanche's nomination in the coming days. If approved, the full Senate will consider his confirmation. The hearing has highlighted deep divisions over the role of the Justice Department and the standards expected of its top official. For more on related legal battles, see our coverage of the Trump White House law firm subpoenas and the broader implications for the DOJ's independence.