Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche chose "Trump over truth" during a confirmation hearing on Thursday [1].
The exchange highlights concerns regarding the impartiality of the U.S. Department of Justice. Critics argue that the Acting Attorney General's previous professional ties could compromise the integrity of high-profile federal investigations.
Booker focused his questioning on the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files [1]. He said that Blanche's prior work representing former President Donald Trump creates a conflict of interest that could affect the investigation into those files [2].
The senator suggested that this history makes Blanche unfit to manage the sensitive documents associated with Epstein [2]. The hearing served as a platform for Booker to challenge whether the Acting Attorney General can remain neutral while overseeing cases that may intersect with his former clients.
Blanche's appointment as Acting Attorney General has drawn scrutiny due to his legal history with the former president [1]. The tension during the hearing reflects a broader debate in the Senate over the appointment of loyalists to key legal positions within the federal government.
Booker said that the pursuit of truth must take precedence over political loyalty [1]. He questioned whether the public could trust the Department of Justice to release all relevant information regarding the Epstein case under Blanche's leadership [2].
“Booker accused Blanche of choosing "Trump over truth"”
This confrontation underscores the ongoing tension between executive appointments and legislative oversight. By linking the Epstein investigation to Blanche's past representation of Donald Trump, Booker is framing the confirmation not just as a personnel decision, but as a test of the Department of Justice's independence from the presidency.
