Todd Blanche faces survivor backlash over DOJ nomination amid Epstein file controversy

Todd Blanche, the Trump administration’s acting attorney general, was nominated in January to become the permanent U.S. attorney general. A New York Times report and other media outlets have raised concerns about his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, including a secret White House Situation Room meeting where he and senior officials discussed strategies to limit the political fallout of releasing the documents. The report says Blanche suggested either petitioning courts to unseal grand‑jury testimony or arranging an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell.

A group of 19 Epstein survivors issued a statement condemning Blanche’s nomination, saying he "prioritized political convenience over justice" and failed to ensure transparency. They urged the administration to appoint a justice secretary who would protect victims and pursue accountability, quoting, "We deserve truth, transparency and accountability." The survivors’ criticism adds pressure ahead of Blanche’s Senate confirmation hearing.