Watch Live: Todd Blanche, Trump's Attorney General Pick, Answers Questions at Confirmation Hearing

Key Points:

• Senator John Cornyn questioned Mr. Blanche about provisions in a deal stemming from Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, focusing on audit protections for Trump and a $1.8 billion fund for those allegedly wronged by the legal system, which remains uncertain.
• Mr. Blanche, Trump's former personal defense lawyer and current Justice Department official, has overseen significant disruptions in the department, including mass firings and politically motivated actions, raising concerns about the department's independence.
• Democrats accuse Mr. Blanche of acting as Trump's personal lawyer, a claim underscored by his own admission of having been the president's lawyer, highlighting partisan tensions within the Justice Department.
• Committee chairman Senator Charles Grassley defended Mr. Blanche, framing investigations into Trump as attacks on the rule of law, while Democrats criticized Blanche for partisan behavior and questionable prosecutions.
• Mr. Blanche has interpreted presidential powers broadly, supporting the president's authority to direct investigations or dismiss charges, and supervised the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, including interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell.