In a tense second day of testimony, the confirmation of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced new hurdles after Republican Sen. Thom Tillis insisted on a meeting with women who allege abuse by Jeffrey Epstein. Tillis’s demand has complicated the situation for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Republicans now hold a narrow margin. Blanche’s nomination requires full GOP support, which is now uncertain due to ongoing issues with the Department of Justice’s handling of Epstein files.
Sen. Tillis: Meeting Survivors Key for Support
Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, announced that he will not support advancing Blanche’s nomination unless he meets with Epstein survivors. The committee’s 11-10 Republican majority, impacted by the loss of Senator Lindsey Graham, hinges on Tillis’s vote. “I’m trying to get to yes, but this is a very important part of getting to yes,” Tillis stated, adding that such a meeting could occur within two weeks.
Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, agreed with Tillis, asserting that Blanche “should not get a vote” until he meets survivors.
DOJ Criticized as Survivor Highlights Privacy Breaches
Dani Bensky, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, testified about repeated privacy breaches by the DOJ, criticizing Blanche for meeting with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell instead of addressing survivor concerns. Her testimony emphasized the gravity of issues survivors face, as private information was exposed unredacted in Department of Justice documents.
“These documents contain disturbing yet incomplete accounts of my abuse,” Bensky said. “They were available not only for the entire world to see but my child, my students, my friends, my employers, my colleagues, and my family. It was humiliating.”
Despite lawyer interventions, her personal details appeared in Epstein file releases until April, after Blanche’s claim of immediate corrections. Bensky argued that many victims’ information remains online, causing threats and job losses among survivors. Behind her, survivors held childhood photos, emphasizing their youth during the alleged abuse. Virginia Giuffre’s family submitted a statement opposing Blanche’s nomination.
Survivors Express Outrage Over Blanche’s Maxwell Meetings
Bensky criticized Blanche for spending “approximately nine hours” with Maxwell without any equivalent engagement with survivors. She highlighted the distress felt by survivors when learning of Maxwell’s transfer from media reports, with no official communication or transparency.
Her account disputed Blanche’s claim that he was “prohibited” from meeting represented accusers, a statement challenged by Democratic senators.
Allegations of DOJ Obstruction in Epstein Investigations
Bensky accused the DOJ of obstructing an investigation in New Mexico, where Attorney General Raul Torrez awaits unredacted Epstein records for 130 days, hindering progress on Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.
“It’s obstruction. They are obstructing,” she noted.
This testimony adds to Blanche’s mounting difficulties, as former DOJ pardon attorney Liz Oyer has already accused him of dishonesty and inciting threats against judges through attacks on courts opposing the Trump administration.
The Future of Blanche’s Nomination
The path for Blanche’s confirmation now appears uncertain. With Sen. John Cornyn from Texas undecided due to concerns about a $1.8 billion fund linked to the Trump administration, and Democrats united, a single dissenting vote could halt the nomination process.
Survivors demand accountability, transparency, and engagement from senior law enforcement. “We deserve to be heard directly, not dismissed and ignored,” Bensky emphasized.
This story is ongoing, with further updates anticipated.
For more details, contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Sam Wilson.