Key facts
- Todd Blanche is expected to be confirmed as U.S. attorney general despite facing significant criticism.
- Key Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn have not yet declared their vote.
- A federal judge recently ruled against the 'anti-weaponization fund' associated with Blanche.
- Blanche previously served as deputy attorney general and is currently acting attorney general.
- Democrats and former Justice Department officials have voiced strong opposition to his nomination.
Todd Blanche is on a 'glide path' to confirmation as U.S. attorney general, according to Republican insiders, despite facing significant opposition and scrutiny. His confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, with potential hurdles including his client list, which features President Donald Trump, and a since-shelved $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' that drew criticism from within his own party.
Despite these challenges, influential figures like Mike Davis, a former chief counsel for Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, predict Blanche will be confirmed before the August recess. This confidence stems from Blanche's pledge to abandon the controversial fund and a series of meetings with senators, which have reportedly eased Republican unrest. The situation was further complicated by a federal judge's ruling two days before the hearing that nullified the settlement creating the fund.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer, was confirmed as deputy attorney general in March 2025 and has been acting attorney general since the spring. Allies portray him as a steadying hand at the Justice Department, while critics argue he is a loyalist carrying out Trump's agenda. He has echoed Trump's false election-fraud claims and overseen prosecutions of perceived adversaries.
Key Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, remain undecided, making their votes crucial. Advocates for Jeffrey Epstein survivors have actively campaigned against Blanche, citing his past involvement and alleged mishandling of the Epstein files. Blanche has defended the department's actions, stating perpetrators will be held accountable.
Criticism also comes from various political factions. Some Trump allies believe he has been too slow to dismiss charges for January 6th defendants, while Democrats argue he lacks independence. Over 1,200 former Justice Department officials signed a letter warning of damage to the agency. Democrats are expected to press Blanche aggressively on his independence and judgment during the hearing.