As Todd Blanche, former defense lawyer to Donald Trump, moves toward confirmation as attorney general, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have raised objections to his nomination. In a letter to Republican senators, survivors outlined what they characterize as missteps in Blanche’s previous management of matters related to the Epstein case while serving as acting attorney general.
Survivors allege that when Blanche oversaw document disclosures required by the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, the process revealed survivors’ names, photos and identifying information while omitting the names of accused individuals and their associates. Survivors note that despite more than 1,000 teenage girls and women being abused, no individuals beyond Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell have faced criminal charges. Survivors also characterized a recent meeting with Blanche, arranged at a senator’s request, as consisting of “deflection, interruption and gaslighting.”
The controversy reflects ongoing tensions since Trump returned to office. During his campaign, Trump pledged to release all Epstein files, a promise that resonated with supporters. However, according to the article, the justice department released limited information until Congress applied pressure following disclosures that renewed attention on Trump’s former friendship with Epstein. Trump has denied all allegations of wrongdoing related to Epstein. Additional scrutiny intensified when Blanche met with Maxwell in prison, an event followed by her transfer to a lower-security facility.
Legal experts told the publication that a Blanche-led department of justice would likely obstruct survivors’ accountability efforts. Bryan Sullivan, a legal partner, suggested that based on Blanche’s judiciary committee testimony, confirmation would result in “more suppression and no active investigations.” Ron Kuby, a civil rights attorney, stated that confirmation would mean accused perpetrators remain uncriminally liable. Carl Tobias of the University of Richmond noted that even without Senate confirmation, Blanche could serve as acting attorney general throughout Trump’s term, maintaining control over the case.
Survivors and advocates noted limited legal alternatives exist, with attorneys cautioning that pursuing justice through public records requests and lawsuits would prove lengthy and difficult given court resource constraints. Litigation against federal authorities over their Epstein investigation handling is described as “exceptionally difficult to win.” However, survivors’ advocates including Gretchen Carlson expressed determination to continue pursuing justice despite potential setbacks, emphasizing that legislative and advocacy avenues remain open. The White House and justice department have stated commitment to bringing justice for trafficking and abuse victims.
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