Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) stated on Thursday that his support for Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche is contingent on Blanche meeting with victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking during the second day of confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Tillis indicated he expects the meeting to take place before the committee's scheduled vote on July 30.
The demand follows testimony from Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor invited by Democrats, who criticized Blanche's oversight of a redaction process that exposed her identity in released documents. During testimony on Wednesday, Blanche stated he had previously been unable to meet with victims due to Department of Justice protocols, though he noted they were permitted to meet with department staff.
Blanche's confirmation status remains uncertain as Republicans hold a narrow margin on the committee. If all Democrats oppose the nomination, a single Republican defection would prevent the nomination from advancing to the full Senate. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) remains undecided, citing concerns regarding a $1.8 billion fund established in a previous settlement. Both Tillis and Cornyn are set to leave office at the end of the current Congress.