Blanche confirmation hinges on two GOP senators

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a second day of intense questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 16, with his confirmation to lead the Justice Department permanently hinging on the support of two undecided Republican senators. Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since April, testified over two days about his handling of a controversial settlement fund, the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, and his independence from President Donald Trump.

The hearing, which began on July 15, revealed a narrow path to confirmation. Republicans hold a one-seat majority on the committee following the recent death of Senator Lindsey Graham, making the votes of Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina pivotal. Both lawmakers have expressed significant reservations, primarily concerning a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" compensation fund established through a May settlement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. The agreement also granted Trump, two of his sons, and his business immunity from certain tax audits.

Under questioning, Blanche stated the fund was "dead" and not moving forward, but acknowledged the...