Blanche apologises for Epstein files 'mistakes'
During his confirmation hearing, Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche apologized for 'mistakes' regarding the handling of Epstein-related files. The hearing also scrutinized his previous role as Donald Trump's defense attorney and the potential for conflicts of interest in his new role.
Why it matters
The transparency of the Justice Department regarding sensitive historical files is a major point of public and political contention.
Figure caption, Watch: Blanche grilled over handling of Epstein files and relationship with Trump
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has faced a tense bipartsian grilling on Capitol Hill, as he seeks a permanent appointment to lead America's top law enforcement agency.
Blanche was questioned about his personal relationship with President Donald Trump, the Epstein files, and a controversial settlement between Trump and the US tax agency that a federal judge nullified this week.
Trump dismissed his previous attorney general, Pam Bondi, amid a political firestorm over the Epstein files release. Blanche has led the agency in the interim.
Here are five key moments from Blanche's confirmation hearing.
Going into Wednesday's hearing, Blanche faced questions about whether he would operate independently from Trump, who has vowed "retribution" against his political enemies in his second term.
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