Blanche apologises on Capitol Hill for Epstein files 'mistakes'

July 15, 2026

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before Congress seeking permanent appointment to lead the Justice Department, facing intense bipartisan questioning about his independence from President Trump. Lawmakers grilled him on multiple controversial issues, including his personal relationship with Trump (whom he previously defended in criminal cases), a recently nullified $1. 7 billion settlement creating an "anti-weaponization fund," and the problematic handling of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.

Who is affected

Todd Blanche (seeking permanent appointment as Attorney General)
President Donald Trump (his former client and current boss)
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi (dismissed amid Epstein files controversy)
Approximately a dozen women/survivors of Jeffrey Epstein (attended hearing in protest wearing T-shirts featuring redacted files)
Trump's political critics including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James (targeted for controversial prosecutions)
Trump, his business and family members (parties to the nullified IRS settlement)
Ghislaine Maxwell (Epstein accomplice whose prison transfer was questioned)

What action is being taken

Blanche is undergoing a confirmation hearing before the Senate for permanent appointment as Attorney General
The Justice Department is releasing millions of pages of Epstein investigation files (mandated by Congress)
Senators from both parties are questioning Blanche about various controversial matters
The Justice Department is correcting approximately 1% of redaction mistakes in the Epstein files

Why it matters

This hearing is significant because it will determine who leads America's top law enforcement agency during a period of intense controversy and concerns about political independence. The questions about Blanche's relationship with Trump are critical given the President's stated desire for "retribution" against political enemies and pressure on the Justice Department to pursue controversial prosecutions. The handling of the Epstein files affects survivors seeking justice and accountability, while the nullified settlement raised concerns about improper use of government funds and immunity from oversight. The outcome will shape whether the Justice Department operates independently or becomes a tool for political purposes.

What's next

Senator Thom Tillis pressed for "agreed to piece of text, coming from the administration, that just renders this thing dead, gone" regarding the anti-weaponization fund
No other explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC