WASHINGTON (AP) — Todd Blanche is heading into a high-stakes test this week in his bid to become attorney general, with key Republicans still undecided about whether to back his nomination. Blanche will need the support of all GOP lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee in order to advance his nomination to lead the Justice Department, which he has done in an acting capacity since April. Blanche is expected to face scrutiny over issues including the department’s investigations into President Donald Trump’s foes, a contentious deal to settle Trump’s IRS lawsuit and its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files when he appears before the committee for his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Here’s a look at key topics likely to dominate the hearing:‘I love you, sir:' Blanche & Trump’s close relationship from the courtroom to DOJBlanche came into the public spotlight as the lead attorney defending Trump in his hush money trial in New York. The close relationship they forged then — and the unwavering loyalty Blanche has shown to Trump since joining the Justice Department last year — is likely to command the spotlight at the hearing.
Trump has made clear his desire to use the Justice Department to pursue his political opponents. And Blanche has accelerated investigations into perceived foes of the president since Pam Bondi was fired after failing to deliver criminal cases against Trump’s political enemies.
