Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) are set to appear alongside survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein this afternoon to publicly oppose President Trump’s nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to lead the Justice Department permanently.
The press conference, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EDT at the Capitol, underscores growing Democratic resistance to Blanche’s confirmation. Epstein survivors have been actively lobbying senators to block Blanche, arguing his oversight of the Epstein investigation has been inadequate.
Contentious Confirmation Hearing
Earlier Wednesday, Blanche faced sharp questioning from senators on the Judiciary Committee about the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related files, the Trump administration’s recent IRS settlement, and a now-defunct “anti-weaponization” fund that critics say was misused. Blanche’s responses drew scrutiny, particularly over his role in the Epstein probe and his ties to Trump.
Durbin, who sits on the Judiciary Committee, pressed Blanche on the anti-weaponization fund, which the acting AG reportedly acknowledged was a mistake. “He admitted it was a mistake,” Durbin said, citing the fund’s failure to address politicization within the DOJ. The exchange has fueled doubts about Blanche’s fitness for the role.
Opposition Mounts
The alliance with Epstein survivors adds a powerful emotional dimension to the opposition. Survivors have accused Blanche of failing to pursue leads that could expose broader networks of abuse. Blanche also stumbled during the hearing when questioned about his past legal work for Trump, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
Republican support for Blanche is not unanimous. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has withheld his endorsement, citing unresolved disputes over the anti-weaponization fund. Meanwhile, the New York City Bar Association has declared Blanche “unfit” for the position, citing his lack of prosecutorial experience and close ties to Trump.
Broader Political Context
The confirmation battle comes amid heightened tensions over DOJ independence. The Senate grilled Blanche on the same day the U.S. launched strikes against Iran, with Trump reportedly weighing a broader offensive. Critics argue Blanche’s confirmation would politicize the DOJ further, especially given his role in defending Trump during past investigations.
Schumer has framed the vote as a test of Senate resolve. “We cannot confirm an attorney general who has shown such disregard for victims and accountability,” he said in a statement. The press conference is expected to amplify that message as survivors share their stories.
What’s Next
The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Blanche’s nomination in the coming days, with a full Senate vote likely next week. With Democrats united in opposition and some Republicans wavering, the outcome remains uncertain. Watch the live video above for updates from the Capitol.
