Todd Blanche faces Senate grilling over DOJ fund, crypto unit and Epstein files

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing. Senators focused on three controversial issues. First, the $1.8‑billion “anti‑weaponization” fund created in a settlement with the IRS over Trump’s tax lawsuit was declared dead by Blanche, though Democrats noted the settlement remains enforceable and the fund could be revived. Second, Blanche was criticized for dismantling the Justice Department’s crypto‑enforcement unit in April 2025, a move Democrats say could benefit Trump’s digital‑asset interests, including the World Liberty Financial venture. Third, his handling of the release of Jeffrey Epstein files was questioned, with Blanche acknowledging redaction errors affecting about 1 % of documents and pledging to fix any mistakes. The hearing also featured partisan divisions: Republicans such as Sen. Chuck Grassley praised Blanche’s law‑enforcement record, while key GOP senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis withheld full support pending clarification. The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham left the committee’s Republican majority at 11‑10, making every Republican vote critical for advancing the nomination.