Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is questioned by senators during his confirmation hearing to permanently serve as U.S. Attorney General. Multiple parts of the inquiry focus on how the Justice Department handles the remaining records related to Jeffrey Epstein, with lawmakers asking for details about the status of the “Epstein files.” Senators also press Blanche about crime statistics and the government’s approach to public safety, seeking clarification on how the department interprets and uses data in its enforcement policies.
In addition, lawmakers question Blanche regarding a settlement involving the Internal Revenue Service that occurred during the Trump administration. The hearing addresses what Blanche’s role is in the Justice Department’s ongoing matters and how the department will manage future legal and administrative issues tied to that settlement.
NBC News reports on the exchanges in which senators outline what they want answered and what areas they say require transparency and follow-through. The reporting emphasizes the range of topics covered in the confirmation process rather than any single outcome.
