Survivors warn that Todd Blanche's confirmation could hinder Epstein case investigations

Jeffrey Epstein survivors wrote to Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn urging them to reject Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, citing his record as acting attorney general on the case. They allege that Blanche oversaw the release of documents required by the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act but disclosed victims’ identities while omitting the names of alleged abusers and enablers.

Legal analysts interviewed said a confirmed Blanche would likely result in “more suppression and no active investigations” into the sex-trafficking network, echoing concerns that the administration seeks to minimize the issue. One attorney noted that former Attorney General Pam Bondi was dismissed, in their view, because she did not “make it go away.”

Lawyers also warned that even without confirmation, Blanche could continue to influence the case as acting attorney general for the remainder of the term, giving him substantial authority over any further disclosures. They described potential legal avenues—such as Freedom of Information Act requests and lawsuits— as lengthy and difficult, given under-funded courts and the challenges of suing the government.

The White House spokesperson defended Blanche, saying he has performed “an excellent job” and that recent meetings with victims were “productive.” A Justice Department statement added that Blanche encouraged victims to contact FBI investigators and affirmed the department’s commitment to pursuing human-trafficking cases.

Advocates Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky, founders of the survivor-support group Lift Our Voices, expressed disappointment over the nomination but remained hopeful that continued advocacy could eventually achieve accountability, noting past legislative successes despite setbacks.