The Justice Department’s War Against Reporters
The Atlantic examines the upcoming confirmation hearings for acting attorney general Todd Blanche, highlighting concerns regarding his past actions and the influence of Donald Trump. The article notes that the vacancy left by Senator Lindsey Graham's death could impact the Senate Judiciary Committee's confirmation vote.
Why it matters
The confirmation of an attorney general is a pivotal event for the US justice system, and the political maneuvering surrounding the committee vote carries significant implications for executive oversight.
As the acting attorney general prepares for confirmation hearings, his DOJ is showcasing its willingness to intimidate reporters whose revelations have upset the president.
Al Drago / Bloomberg / Getty July 13, 2026, 6:12 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
On Wednesday, Todd Blanche will head to Capitol Hill for hearings on his nomination to be U.S. attorney general. Usually these hearings are a chance for senators to get a sense of how a nominee would approach the job, but Blanche has already had a 100-day tryout as acting attorney general, which removes some of the suspense.
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