Blanche defends Epstein file review in tense Senate hearing
What's new: Trump's attorney general pick said the DOJ could still prosecute new suspects if fresh evidence emerges.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files at a combative Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, while acknowledging mistakes in vetting material released to the public. Blanche, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, argued the department's review of existing files was complete but said that did not shut the door on future criminal cases. He told senators the DOJ would investigate and prosecute any additional people tied to Epstein's sex-trafficking operation if credible new evidence surfaces. Blanche became acting attorney general in April 2026 after Pam Bondi was fired.