Senate Judiciary Committee advances Todd Blanche AG nomination on party-line vote

Published Aug 4, 03:04 PM UTC

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for U.S. Attorney General to the full Senate. Democrats strongly opposed the nomination, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse calling it a 'sad and embarrassing day' and labeling Blanche 'probably the most discreditable person ever to seek the office.' Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn initially held up the nomination over concerns about a $1.8 billion DOJ slush fund but ultimately fell in line after vague assurances. Hundreds of federal prosecutors urged rejection, citing Blanche's willingness to fire career prosecutors and FBI agents to satisfy Trump's political interests, his belief that Trump has a 'right' to shape federal probes, mishandling of the Epstein files, and refusal to meet with Epstein's victims. Critics argue Blanche cannot remain independent of the White House.