Blanche on 'glide path' for US attorney general confirmation, Republican insiders say

Key Points:

• Todd Blanche faces a confirmation hearing as acting attorney general amid controversies including his client list featuring President Trump, a shelved $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund," and criticism over handling Jeffrey Epstein files.
• Despite opposition from Democrats, former prosecutors, and Epstein survivors, Republican insiders predict Blanche will be confirmed easily, viewing him as a steadying hand at the Justice Department.
• Blanche's confirmation depends on Republican senators, with key undecided votes from Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, who have expressed cautious optimism contingent on the demise of the anti-weaponization fund.
• Blanche has been criticized from multiple fronts: far-right activists say he is too slow on January 6 cases, Democrats accuse him of politicizing the Justice Department, and over 1,200 former officials warn his tenure harms public safety.
• Senate Democrats plan aggressive questioning on Blanche's independence and judgment, but Republicans appear poised to confirm him before the August recess despite ongoing controversies.