Full Breakdown
American Oversight Sues DOJ to Expedite Release of Todd Blanche Records
6/24/2026, 6:16:27 AM
Core Lawsuit and Requested Relief
American Oversight sued the DOJ in the U.S. District Court, demanding expedited FOIA processing for records about Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche. The complaint seeks all non-exempt emails, texts, calendar entries and encrypted messages that reveal Blanche’s role in the DOJ’s review of Epstein files and Smith’s investigations. The group seeks a court order for production by July 14, 2026, a day before Blanche’s Senate confirmation hearings on July 15-16.
Background
Before joining the Department, Todd Blanche was President Donald Trump’s criminal defense attorney. As deputy and acting attorney general, he oversaw the DOJ’s review of Epstein-related records, interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell and deciding on their release. He also supervised parts of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations, including the classified-documents probe. Reports note Blanche boasted about “cleaning house” at the DOJ and FBI after Trump’s return, citing removal of staff linked to Smith’s work.
Timeline
The DOJ denied the request on June 22, 2026. The suit was filed two days later. The FOIA request seeks communications containing “Epstein,” “Maxwell,” “Smith” or “Volume II” from March 2025 through May 2026. The lawsuit asks the court to compel production by July 14, 2026, before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s July 15-16 hearings.
Official Statements & Responses
American Oversight says senators need the records to assess whether Blanche can lead the Department independently, given his former representation of President Trump. They argue the DOJ’s refusal to grant expedited status blocks transparency before the vote. The DOJ confirmed receipt but has not provided expedited processing.
Criticism, Opposition, and Gaps
Critics say Blanche’s role as Trump’s defense lawyer and his supervision of the Epstein files create a conflict of interest. They also note his testimony that he would not support releasing the full second volume of Smith’s report, suggesting selective disclosure. Reports note Blanche’s “clean-house” comment, yet the DOJ has not released communications confirming staff changes. Pamela Bondi testified Blanche oversaw review of the Epstein files, but the requested emails and texts remain unavailable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Before the Senate decides whether to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, senators and the American people alike deserve a clear-eyed understanding of how he has used the extraordinary power entrusted to him at the Justice Department,” — Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director, American Oversight
- “The lawsuit cites congressional testimony from former Attorney General Pamela Bondi stating that Blanche had a direct, day-to-day supervisory role over the Epstein files and their public release.” — Former Attorney General Pamela Bondi (congressional testimony)
- “It also notes that during his February 2025 confirmation process for Deputy Attorney General, Blanche testified that he would not support releasing the full second volume of Smith’s report regarding the handling of classified documents.” — Todd Blanche (February 2025 testimony)
What’s Next
The court must rule on the expedited-processing request before July 14, 2026. If granted, the DOJ will have to produce the targeted records in time for the Senate Judiciary Committee’s July 15-16 hearings, where senators will vote on Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General.
