Todd Blanche faces Senate scrutiny as he seeks to become attorney general

Todd Blanche appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday as he sought confirmation to become U.S. attorney general, a post that would put him in charge of the Justice Department. Lawmakers pressed him on whether his close relationship with President Donald Trump could affect the department’s independence.

Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer, has already been confirmed by the Senate for the department’s No. 2 job and has been serving as acting attorney general since April, according to the reports. His hearing focused on questions about decisions involving career prosecutors, the Jan. 6 cases and the handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

During the session, Blanche tried to distance himself from some of the administration’s most disputed actions and said he was not simply carrying out Trump’s personal agenda, according to the accounts. He also defended his role in matters that have drawn criticism from Democrats and former Justice Department officials.

The hearing comes as the Justice Department remains under close political scrutiny in Trump’s second term, with Blanche’s nomination expected to test support in the Republican-led Senate. If confirmed, he would move from acting chief to the permanent head of the department.