Senate panel grills Todd Blanche amid Republican skepticism

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with his path to permanently leading the Justice Department hinging on the support of skeptical Republican senators. The hearing, which will continue on Thursday, centered on Blanche's independence, his handling of several controversial matters, and a recent federal court ruling that voided a major settlement he helped engineer.

Blanche, who previously served as President Donald Trump's personal defense attorney, has been the acting attorney general since April. He needs to secure every Republican vote on the committee, where the GOP holds a narrow 11-10 majority following the recent death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally. Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas have publicly withheld their support, citing concerns over a now-defunct $1.8 billion fund and related provisions that granted Trump and his family protection from IRS audits.

Under intense questioning, Blanche stated the Justice Department has abandoned the proposed "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which was part of a settlement to end Trump's...