Two Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, indicated on Thursday that they remain undecided regarding the confirmation of Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General. Cornyn stated, "I am still considering it," following a day of questioning during Blanche's confirmation hearing, which included inquiries about a $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund that has faced scrutiny.
Tillis expressed a desire for Blanche to meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein before making a decision on his nomination. Following Tillis' comments, a meeting was scheduled for Blanche with Epstein survivors at the Department of Justice. This meeting included four victims and family members of Virginia Giuffre, another Epstein victim.
Concerns about Blanche's nomination have been raised, particularly regarding his previous role in the DOJ and the handling of Epstein-related files that included identifying information about victims. Tillis emphasized the importance of the meeting with victims in his decision-making process, stating, "This is a very important part of getting to yes."
If both Cornyn and Tillis vote against Blanche's nomination, along with the expected unanimous opposition from Democrats, the nomination could be stalled in the Judiciary Committee. Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April after the dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi.
During the hearing, Cornyn reiterated his concerns regarding the DOJ's "Anti-Weaponization" fund, which critics have labeled a "slush fund". Blanche previously claimed the fund was no longer active but did not provide written confirmation of this claim in court filings.
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft testified in support of Blanche, while Epstein survivor Dani Bensky testified against him, citing concerns over the release of sensitive information about victims.