On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein attended the confirmation hearing of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as he sought to be permanently appointed to the role. During the high-stakes Senate hearing, Blanche defended the Justice Department's management and release of files related to Epstein's case. He also committed to working toward "restoring American trust" in the department.

The hearing included questioning on several issues, including recent shootings involving ICE agents, with Senator Amy Klobuchar addressing these concerns directly to Blanche. Following fatal shootings in Texas and Maine, ICE announced it would halt most vehicle stops.

Senate candidate Dan Kleban called for ICE to be "dismantled" after the Maine incident, reflecting ongoing debates about the agency's role and conduct.

Other notable events on the same day included the House passing a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent and Lindsey Graham's sister being sworn in to fill his Senate seat. Additionally, Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Jay Clayton, made his opening statement in a separate Senate confirmation hearing.

The presence of Epstein survivors underscored the significance of Blanche's confirmation amid public scrutiny of the Justice Department's handling of sensitive cases.

Sources