Todd Blanche faces Epstein victim backlash in Senate confirmation fight

According to CNBC, victims of Jeffrey Epstein criticized acting Attorney General Todd Blanche after meeting with him at the Department of Justice, while Sen. Thom Tillis said he appreciated Blanche's participation and could support his nomination as permanent U.S. attorney general. The Justice Department said Blanche had a productive, initial discussion with the small group of victims, but survivors called the meeting condescending, evasive and focused on advancing his confirmation. Annie Farmer said she was more confident in urging senators to vote against Blanche after the meeting, while Liz Stein called it demoralizing and Dani Bensky said Blanche treated it as a check-the-box exercise. Tillis had said earlier Thursday that he would not vote to advance the nomination until Blanche met with Epstein victims, and he later praised Blanche on X for meeting with them. If Tillis or another Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee votes against Blanche, his confirmation could be blocked because all 10 Democrats on the panel are expected to oppose him.