WorldTodd Blanche, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, was challenged by Democratic senators on his ability to lead the U.S. Justice Department free from the demands of the president in the first of two days of confirmation hearings on Wednesday.'I'm his lawyer,' Blanche says of president, before quickly correcting himselfCBC News · Posted: Jul 15, 2026 12:50 PM EDT | Last Updated: July 16Listen to this articleEstimated 6 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Democrats grill Trump's picks for attorney general, intelligence chiefJuly 15|Duration 2:15Democrats grilled two of U.S. President Donald Trump's new cabinet picks. Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files, while potential National Intelligence Chief Jay Clayton refused to admit Trump lost the 2020 election.Todd Blanche, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, was challenged by Democratic senators on his ability to lead the U.S. Justice Department free from the demands of the president in the first of two days of confirmation hearings on Wednesday.Blanche, nominated by Trump to succeed Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general, faced a wide range of questions, including on the handling of the department's release of files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as well as a controversial fund that Democrats have said rewards Trump allies and family members. Blanche, previously assistant attorney general, has been in Bondi's role in an acting capacity since her departure in early April.Blanche, 51, made a verbal slip that will likely be played widely on news networks, when asked by Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana if he was friends with Trump.Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies before a Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearing on his nomination to be attorney general, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)"I'm his lawyer," Blanche said, before quickly correcting, "was his ⁠lawyer." Blanche had earlier been castigated in the opening statement of Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, for referencing an April news conference in which Blanche said to Trump, "I love you, sir."In further questioning from Kennedy, Blanche stressed that Trump as president has never given him an illegal order, and that he wouldn't follow such an order if asked.Notable absenceShould the chamber's judiciary committee recommend Blanche for confirmation, the full Senate will then vote, where Republicans hold 53 of 100 seats.The Republicans also lead the committee, with 11 members to 10 for the Democrats after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina last weekend. Blanche and several senators paid tribute to Graham's career and work on the panel.The key Republican on the panel is arguably John Cornyn of Texas, who will leave the Senate after being beaten in a primary by the Trump-endorsed Ken Paxton this spring. Cornyn told Reuters on Tuesday he had yet to decide how he will vote on Blanche's candidacy.A woman sets flowers on black fabric at the seat that normally would have belonged to Lindsey Graham. The South Carolina senator died last week. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)Cornyn, along with several Democrats, pressed Blanche on the Justice Department's decision to settle Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service by creating a $1.8 billion US fund to compensate Trump allies for alleged prior government mistreatment along. An associated order also shielded Trump and his family businesses from facing tax audits over prior conduct. "The weaponization fund is dead, it's not moving forward," said Blanche.Cornyn questioned that, saying the agreement notes it remains "enforceable," and he got Blanche to admit that Trump's lawyers could theoretically file a lawsuit protesting the end of the fund. WATCH | A recap of the controversial fund:Trump's new $1.776B Anti-Weaponization Fund is a wild ride | About ThatMay 20|Duration 12:44The Trump administration set up a roughly $1.8 billion US fund to support Americans facing domestic political persecution — but there are questions about accountability and who may benefit most from the cash. Andrew Chang explains how the Anti-Weaponization Fund originates with U.S. President Donald Trump's own lawsuit, and the concerns about a conflict of interest.