When Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) asked whether the Justice Department would not recommend a pardon for Maxwell, Blanche replied, “Yes, I can commit to that, of course.”The senator initially asked whether a pardon would be recommended for “people named in the Epstein files,” prompting the witness to ask for clarification. Van Hollen then narrowed his question to Maxwell.
The remarks came during Blanche’s first congressional testimony since taking over the DOJ last month. The purpose of the hearing was to ask the acting attorney general about the department’s fiscal 2027 budget request, but Democratic lawmakers took the opportunity to ask about the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files and meetings with the survivors.
During his line of questioning, Van Hollen said he spoke with some Epstein victims who claimed Blanche had not met with them. Blanche responded that he would “absolutely” meet with them while disputing the “false” claim that he has not met with any of them yet.
“I have met with them,” he said. “I’ve met with many of the lawyers for the survivors and victims, as did Attorney General [Pam] Bondi. So whoever told you that, unfortunately, gave you bad information.
“I would encourage them to reach out to the Department of Justice because, like we do every single day, we absolutely care for victims and we absolutely want to hear from them and their lawyers.”
