Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for a confirmation hearing to become the permanent U.S. Attorney General. During the multi-hour session, Blanche faced questioning regarding his prior role as President Trump's personal lawyer and his handling of a $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund established as part of an IRS lawsuit settlement.
Blanche testified that the multi-billion dollar fund, which was intended to redress grievances related to leaked tax returns, would not be paid out. However, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) noted that the underlying settlement contract remains enforceable and that the president had not agreed in writing to dissolve the fund. Blanche stated that while the Department of Justice (DOJ) would not move forward with the fund, the president's attorneys could theoretically claim a breach of contract, though he noted no such action has been taken.
Democrats on the committee, including Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), questioned Blanche’s independence from the White House, citing his past representation of Trump in criminal cases. In response to questions about his relationship with the president, Blanche described himself as the president’s former lawyer. He defended his tenure as acting attorney general, pointing to DOJ efforts against violent crime and drug cartels while stating that his department was legally required to dismiss cases against Jan. 6 defendants following presidential pardons.