US President Donald Trump has officially nominated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Department of Justice, sending his name to the Senate for confirmation.
Blanche, who previously served as one of Trump’s personal attorneys, has been acting in the role since the departure of Pam Bondi in April.
The nomination sets the stage for a Senate confirmation battle, with Blanche requiring a simple majority vote to secure the position. However, scrutiny is expected over his involvement in the handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and a proposed multi-billion-dollar fund aimed at compensating individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted by government agencies.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley expressed support for the nomination, describing Blanche as qualified and committed to restoring law and order. He added that the committee had already begun processing the nomination.
Despite that backing, some lawmakers signaled they intend to closely examine Blanche’s record. Senator John Cornyn said he plans to seek clarification on Blanche’s role in the proposed “anti-weaponization” fund, while Senator Bill Cassidy questioned whether Blanche could operate independently of Trump after previously serving as his personal lawyer.
During his tenure as acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen several high-profile initiatives, including fraud investigations, changes to gun-control policies, and legal actions involving some of Trump’s political opponents. Supporters say these efforts demonstrate a commitment to enforcing the law, while critics argue they reflect the president’s political priorities.
Another issue likely to surface during confirmation hearings is Blanche’s role in matters involving Epstein and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Questions have been raised about the Justice Department’s handling of related records and Blanche’s previous interview with Maxwell.
The nomination comes as Republicans continue debating the future of the proposed compensation fund, which drew criticism from some lawmakers concerned it could potentially benefit individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Blanche has previously expressed strong support for Trump and has publicly stated that serving in the administration is one of the greatest honours of his career.
The Senate is expected to begin reviewing his nomination in the coming weeks.
