Story perspectives

Blanche Says He Was ‘His Lawyer,’ Senate Grills Him

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche misspoke that he “was his lawyer” at his July 15, 2026 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, drawing media attention.
Senators probed Blanche on the Epstein file release and the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund judge nullified while committee holds an 11-to-10 Republican majority after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death.
President Donald Trump praised Blanche on Truth Social, claiming drops in murder rates and seizures of over 500 million drug doses.

History

Historical Context

After the June 17 1972 break-in at the DNC, the Senate voted 77-0 in February 1973 to form the Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, chaired by Senator Sam Ervin. The committee’s televised hearings began May 17 1973, and special prosecutor Archibald Cox subpoenaed White House tapes, sparking a constitutional clash that ultimately led to President Nixon’s resignation in August 1974.

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Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche misspoke that he “was his lawyer” at his July 15, 2026 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, drawing media attention.
Senators probed Blanche on the Epstein file release and the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund judge nullified while committee holds an 11-to-10 Republican majority after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death.
President Donald Trump praised Blanche on Truth Social, claiming drops in murder rates and seizures of over 500 million drug doses.

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