U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against the nomination of Todd Blanche to be U.S. Attorney General during a committee executive business meeting on July 23. Durbin criticized President Trump’s selection and addressed ongoing discussions within the committee about special prosecutor Jack Smith.
Durbin said, “Every meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee has a necessary starting point and today was no exception. Before we can talk about anything else, we have to talk about Jack Smith. Jack Smith is the political punching bag of the Senate Judiciary Committee.” He called for Republicans on the committee to accept Mr. Smith’s offer to testify publicly under oath before the committee, stating, “He has offered to come before this Committee now for six months… Instead of talking about it, bring him in. Ask these questions under oath.”
Addressing an agreement signed by Blanche related to former President Trump’s family, Durbin said: “To call this agreement that was signed by Blanche when it came to the Trump family ‘commonplace’—that was the word the Chairman used… It is so unique that a federal judge in Florida has spelled out the fact that this was extraordinary treatment and raises serious ethical questions.”
Durbin also responded to claims made at Blanche’s confirmation hearing regarding criticism of Justice Department actions under different administrations: “This is simply and provably false,” he said. He continued by referencing his own tenure as Chair: “When I was Chair of this Committee, we held regular oversight hearings—a rarity now… And I frequently criticized the Justice Department and compelled Department of Justice officials—my own party—to answer for their actions.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee holds legislative and oversight responsibilities affecting constitutional protections, civil rights, public safety nationwide, federal law enforcement review, judicial nominations evaluation, and exerts influence over federal law and judicial matters across the nation as a standing committee led by senators from both major parties based in Washington D.C., according to its official website.
Durbin concluded his remarks with concerns over potential conflicts if Blanche were confirmed: “Everything we heard from Todd Blanche at his hearing last week—and in his responses to written questions—indicates that, if confirmed as Attorney General, Blanche will continue to serve the interest of Donald Trump, not the American people.”