What Blanche said about Trump, Epstein files during confirmation hearing for attorney general
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-15 18:34:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump’s IRS Settlement and Pardons Under Scrutiny as Senate Grills Acting Attorney General
President Donald Trump’s actions and legal maneuvers were at the center of a contentious Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday, as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced tough questions about his independence and the Justice Department’s recent decisions.
IRS Settlement Sparks Bipartisan Criticism
The most controversial issue involved a settlement of Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his personal tax returns. The deal, reached under Blanche’s leadership, granted Trump immunity from tax audits and initially included a nearly $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of government “weaponization.” The fund was later scrapped after bipartisan backlash. A federal judge recently found that Trump’s lawsuit was filed for an “improper purpose” and misused the court system.
Blanche told senators he did not discuss the settlement with Trump until after the Justice Department decided not to move forward with the case. However, he refused to answer whether he advised Trump against creating the controversial fund, citing confidentiality of conversations with the president. Despite repeated assurances that the fund is dead, the Justice Department has declined to make a sworn declaration to that effect, raising further questions about transparency and accountability.
Trump’s Pardons and Stance on Judicial Independence
Blanche also addressed Trump’s decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, stating: “The Constitution gives the president the full power to pardon anybody for any reason he wants,” and that he does not question Trump’s use of this authority. This position aligns with Trump’s broad interpretation of presidential pardon powers, even as it continues to draw criticism from lawmakers and the public.
In a notable departure from Trump’s previous rhetoric, Blanche said he does not support impeaching judges who rule against the president, despite Trump’s past calls for such actions.
Handling of Epstein Files and Immigration Shootings
Blanche defended the Justice Department’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which were released after Trump signed the Epstein Transparency Act. He acknowledged mistakes in redacting sensitive information but claimed efforts were made to correct errors quickly.
On recent fatal shootings by immigration agents, Blanche reiterated that agents should only use deadly force when there is an imminent threat, a standard that has come under scrutiny following two deaths in Minneapolis.
Conclusion
The hearing highlighted ongoing concerns about Trump’s influence over the Justice Department, his approach to presidential powers, and the transparency of high-profile legal settlements. As senators continue to press for answers, the controversy underscores the challenges facing the department in maintaining public trust and upholding the rule of law.