Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) stated on Thursday that he will not vote to advance the nomination of Todd Blanche for U.S. Attorney General until Blanche meets with victims of Jeffrey Epstein and their legal representatives. Tillis made the remarks during the second day of Blanche’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Because committee Democrats have indicated uniform opposition to the nominee, Blanche requires support from all Republican members to proceed to a full Senate vote.
The demand follows testimony from Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor, who stated that the group has sought meetings with Blanche for months without success. Blanche testified on Wednesday that he could not meet with the survivors directly but noted that a deputy could meet with their attorneys. Lawmakers have criticized the Department of Justice under Blanche’s acting leadership for a recent records release that failed to redact the names and photographs of some victims.
In addition to the Epstein case, Blanche faced questioning regarding a proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and a tax-audit immunity resolution for Donald Trump and his associates. These provisions stemmed from a settlement involving a lawsuit against the IRS. While Blanche told the committee the fund had been abandoned, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) stated he remains undecided on his vote until the status of the fund is clarified in writing.