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Senate Hears Todd Blanche; Epstein Accuser Testifies, Ashcroft Backs

7/16/2026

39 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Todd Blanche appears before the Senate on Thursday morning for his confirmation as acting attorney general.
Liz Oyer, the Justice Department’s former pardon attorney, testifies that she was dismissed by Todd Blanche.
A woman who accused convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein of abuse testifies against Todd Blanche.
John Ashcroft, former Bush attorney general, backs Todd Blanche during the confirmation hearing.

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Story summary

Todd Blanche appears before the Senate on Thursday morning for his confirmation as acting attorney general.
Liz Oyer, the Justice Department’s former pardon attorney, testifies that she was dismissed by Todd Blanche.
A woman who accused convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein of abuse testifies against Todd Blanche.
John Ashcroft, former Bush attorney general, backs Todd Blanche during the confirmation hearing.