Todd Blanche’s Contested Settlement and Confirmation Hearing

In early 2025 Blanche approved a “settlement agreement” that granted tax-audit immunity to Trump, his family and affiliated entities and created an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” of $1.8 billion for alleged victims of “lawfare.” A federal judge later described the underlying lawsuit as a pretext, calling the settlement “a ‘settlement’ that had no viable basis in law or fact.” The judge noted that the claim of at least $10 billion in damages was speculative and filed beyond the statutory deadline, and that the IRS contractor at issue likely did not fit the definition of a “United States officer or employee.”

Reason

Judge Kathleen Williams of the Southern District of Florida said she was “extremely troubled” by Blanche’s conduct and referred the matter to New York disciplinary authorities for possible disbarment. She added that the case was “phoney from the beginning” because of the Justice Department’s “lassitude” and Trump’s “direct, unassailable control over Defendants.”

Reason

Both Democratic and Republican senators have voiced resistance. The editorial board of The New York Times warned that confirming Blanche would allow the DOJ to become “Trump’s personal law firm.” Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, both slated to leave the chamber, have been identified as potential blockers to the nomination.

Todd Blanche Disqualifies Himself in Confirmation Hearing

Critics argue that Blanche’s actions—celebrating the Jan. 6 rioters, pursuing lawsuits driven by presidential grudges, and shielding Trump from tax liability—could erode the department’s impartiality and enable interference in the upcoming midterm elections.

Reason

• “I'm guessing I'll be in line,” — James Comey, former FBI Director

Reason

• “a 'settlement' that had no viable basis in law or fact.” — Judge Kathleen Williams

Reason

• “According to Blanche, Comey committed two federal felonies by posting a photograph of seashells arranged to form the slogan "86 47," which Blanche conceded is a ubiquitous expression of opposition to the president.” — Todd Blanche

Reason

• “That message, which did not even come close to meeting the constitutional test for a "true threat," was indisputably political speech protected by the First Amendment.” — Todd Blanche

Reason

These statements illustrate the stark disagreement over Blanche’s suitability for the attorney-general post.

Todd Blanche Disqualifies Himself in Confirmation Hearing