Story perspectives

Tillis Demands Epstein Survivor Meeting, Threatens AG Block

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he will support Todd Blanche (the attorney-general nominee) only if Blanche meets with Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors.
A single Republican dissent could block Blanche’s confirmation.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) remains undecided, citing the $1.776 billion fund created to compensate victims of government weaponization.
Blanche scheduled a Thursday meeting with the survivors.
Blanche said the Justice Department will investigate any new evidence.

History

Historical Context

After the 1991 Senate reopening of Clarence Thomas’s Supreme Court nomination—its first since 1925—and a 52-48 confirmation vote spurred by Anita Hill’s testimony before Judiciary Chair Joe Biden, survivor testimony proved decisive. Today, Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn echo that precedent, pressing Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche to meet Jeffrey Epstein survivors before his confirmation.

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Story summary

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he will support Todd Blanche (the attorney-general nominee) only if Blanche meets with Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors.
A single Republican dissent could block Blanche’s confirmation.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) remains undecided, citing the $1.776 billion fund created to compensate victims of government weaponization.
Blanche scheduled a Thursday meeting with the survivors.
Blanche said the Justice Department will investigate any new evidence.

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