Trump attorney general nominee Todd Blanche grilled over Epstein files, tax immunity
On Wednesday, Todd Blanche, nominated by US President Donald Trump to be attorney general, underwent bipartisan scrutiny during a Senate committee hearing concerning the Epstein documents and a settlement that provided Trump with tax immunity. As Trump's former personal attorney, Blanche was questioned by Republican Senator John Cornyn about the Justice Department's choice to resolve Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, which involved a now-defunct US$1.8 billion fund for Trump's associates, also protecting him from tax audits. While Blanche described the fund as "dead," he acknowledged that the settlement remained in effect. He defended the tax immunity as typical in IRS settlements, although experts deemed it uncommon. Cornyn voiced his ongoing concerns and indicated he would delay his voting decision.
Key facts
- Todd Blanche faced bipartisan questioning at a US Senate panel on Wednesday.
- Questioning focused on the Epstein files and a settlement giving Trump sweeping tax immunity.
- The settlement created a US$1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies.
- The fund has been abandoned but the settlement has not been formally rescinded.
- Blanche deemed the fund 'dead' but acknowledged the settlement remains.
- Tax experts described the immunity for Trump as highly unusual.
- Senator John Cornyn said Blanche's answers did not assuage his concerns.
- Cornyn said he continues to have concerns about the fund.
Entities
Institutions
- US Senate
- Justice Department
- Internal Revenue Service
- Senate Judiciary Committee
Locations
- United States
- Texas