Blanche confirmation in doubt after Cornyn holds back support

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday that left his permanent confirmation uncertain. Republican Senator John Cornyn declined to commit his support, saying he had reservations. Democrat after Democrat pressed Blanche on a settlement that shields President Donald Trump from IRS audits, on the handling of Jeffrey Epstein documents, and on blanket pardons for January 6 defendants.

Blanche, who served as Trump's personal attorney before taking the Justice Department's top job on an interim basis in April, argued in his opening statement that the department is rebuilding public trust. He said the administration is focused on violent crime, drug trafficking, and fraud enforcement.

"In recent years, Americans watched the Justice Department turn against many of you and a former president, and it damaged the public's faith in justice," Blanche said. "We are fixing that."

The settlement with the IRS drew the sharpest Democratic criticism. Blanche insisted the arrangement was lawful. "Nobody is above the law," he said. He added that the agreement does not place Trump beyond legal scrutiny.

Cornyn pressed Blanche on a proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who say they were targeted by the government. Blanche said the fund never moved forward. "No money went from the Treasury to any other account," he said. He told Cornyn that Congress could codify language to prevent future revivals.