Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 [1], during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing.
The hearing serves as a critical test of the Department of Justice's independence, as senators scrutinize Blanche's relationship with President Donald Trump and his management of controversial agency actions.
During the proceedings in Washington, D.C., lawmakers sought clarity on the handling of the Epstein files and the status of a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund [2]. This fund has become a point of contention regarding the DOJ's current priorities, and financial allocations.
Blanche said the anti-weaponization fund is essentially dead [3]. However, reports from CNN suggest the fund may not be as defunct as Blanche indicated [3].
The line of questioning also touched upon recent leadership changes within the department. Specifically, the committee addressed the departure of Pam Bondi, who was fired in early April 2026 [4].
Senators expressed concerns that Blanche's history as a former lawyer for President Trump could influence the impartial application of federal law. The Judiciary Committee continues to evaluate whether Blanche can maintain the necessary distance from the executive branch to lead the nation's top law enforcement agency effectively.
“Senators sought answers about Blanche’s relationship to President Donald Trump.”
The interrogation of Todd Blanche highlights a deepening divide over the role of the Attorney General. By focusing on the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and the firing of Pam Bondi, the Senate is attempting to determine if the DOJ is operating as an independent legal entity or as a tool for the president's political objectives.
