Epstein survivors warn Blanche-led DOJ threatens their pursuit of justice
Experts and survivors say Todd Blanche's likely confirmation as attorney general could derail efforts to hold Jeffrey Epstein's accomplices accountable, citing his handling of the case.
As Donald Trump's former defense lawyer Todd Blanche appears poised for confirmation as attorney general, numerous Jeffrey Epstein survivors have sounded the alarm that a US justice department helmed by him would derail their pursuit of justice. In a letter urging Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn to reject his nomination, survivors said that Blanche's handling of the Epstein case as acting attorney general was characterized by misstep after misstep. Blanche reportedly allowed the disclosure of survivors' names, photos and identifying information – but omitted the names of accused abusers and enablers. While more than 1,000 teenage girls and women were abused, not a single person other than Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell faced charges. Legal veterans told The Guardian that a Blanche-led DOJ would likely mean more suppression and no active investigations. Blanche's meeting with Maxwell in prison, followed by her transfer to a lower-security facility, further heightened outrage. Some advocates, however, remain hopeful, noting that setbacks do not mean permanent impediments. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended Blanche, saying he has done an excellent job. A DOJ spokesperson said Blanche and senior officials met with survivors and encouraged them to meet with FBI investigators. Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky of Lift Our Voices urged survivors to keep pushing for justice, emphasizing that advances outweigh setbacks.
