President Donald Trump called on all Republican senators to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general ahead of his Senate Judiciary Committee hearings this week. Blanche, the acting attorney general and former Trump defense lawyer, faces the confirmation process amid recent criticism from a federal judge. The hearings are set for Wednesday and Thursday.
President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social on Tuesday praising Blanche's leadership at the Department of Justice. He highlighted drops in murder rates and increases in violent crime arrests, along with seizures of illegal drugs. Trump described Blanche as tough, brilliant, and loyal, urging senators to confirm him quickly.
A federal judge released an order on Monday criticizing Blanche's role in a lawsuit filed by Trump against the IRS. U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams found a conflict of interest in a proposed settlement that included a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and IRS audit protections for the Trump family. The judge ordered monetary sanctions and referred the matter for potential disciplinary review.
Blanche is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and Thursday. Democrats are expected to question him on topics including the Epstein files and a lawsuit over mail-order abortion drugs. Republicans hold the committee majority.
