Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin delivered his opening statement on July 15 during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee to be Attorney General of the United States. Durbin addressed Chairman Chuck Grassley’s comments regarding special prosecutor Jack Smith and reiterated his call for Republicans to allow Smith to testify publicly under oath before the committee.
Durbin said, “We are here because there is a vacancy in the office [of the Attorney General]. The President decided to fire [Mr. Blanche’s] predecessor after just 14 months on the job, after courts and grand juries blocked her from prosecuting the President’s political opponents. Seemingly, President Trump believes you, Mr. Blanche, will be more successful.”
He raised concerns about Blanche’s previous role as Deputy Attorney General and connections with President Trump as a personal attorney. Durbin said that since Blanche was confirmed, “DOJ has literally violated dozens of court orders to advance Trump’s agenda.” He also criticized actions such as establishing a $2 billion fund benefiting January 6 defendants and alleged lack of action in rescinding this order despite bipartisan criticism.
Durbin addressed further issues including handling of Epstein files: “Then there’s the cover-up of the Epstein files, which former Attorney General Bondi herself said you were ‘in charge of.’ Under your leadership, more than 1,000 FBI personnel were pulled off other priorities and directed to flag Epstein records [mentioning] President Trump.” He also questioned ethics surrounding DOJ actions related to cryptocurrency enforcement while Blanche owned crypto assets.
He concluded by urging Blanche to meet personally with Epstein survivors present at the hearing: “I’m asking you, Mr. Blanche…to agree to meet with these Epstein survivors personally and bring with you professionals from the Department of Justice to hear them out.” Durbin summarized his concerns by saying that an Attorney General should prioritize constitutional duties over loyalty to any president.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays a significant role in reviewing legislation affecting constitutional protections and public safety nationwide through its legislative and oversight duties; it is led by a chairperson overseeing hearings involving senators from both major parties and serves as a standing committee with authority over judicial matters based in Washington D.C., according to the official website.