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Todd Blanche faces Senate scrutiny over IRS settlement and Jeffrey Epstein investigation as confirmation vote approaches

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces a critical Senate Judiciary Committee vote this Thursday as he seeks to become the next U.S. attorney general. Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have signaled they may withhold their votes until the administration provides written commitment to finalize the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and the IRS settlement agreement. The administration announced the $1.776 billion fund to compensate those who allege they were wrongly targeted under the Biden administration, while Blanche, who served as President Trump's criminal defense attorney, signed an addendum to the settlement that granted audit immunity to President Trump and his family. Simultaneously, Jeffrey Epstein survivors have expressed concern that a Blanche-led Department of Justice may prioritize closing the case over pursuing further accountability. While legal experts predict a Blanche-led department may result in fewer active investigations into Epstein's orbit, the administration remains optimistic. A justice department spokesperson stated that Blanche met with victims last week to discuss next steps for investigations, emphasizing the department's determination to bring justice for all victims of human trafficking.

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