Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina says he will not support the confirmation of Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche unless the nominee agrees to meet with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
Tillis said the meeting is necessary to reassure victims that the Department of Justice remains committed to transparency, accountability and the fair administration of justice. He argued that those directly affected by Epstein’s crimes deserve to have their concerns heard before the Senate considers Blanche’s nomination.
Blanche, a former criminal defence attorney who previously represented President Donald Trump in several legal cases, has pledged to uphold the independence of the Justice Department if confirmed. During his Senate confirmation hearing, he told lawmakers that prosecutorial decisions would be guided by evidence and the rule of law rather than political considerations.
The nomination has drawn heightened scrutiny amid renewed public interest in the government’s handling of records related to Epstein’s criminal network. Lawmakers from both parties have called for greater transparency, while victims’ advocates continue to press for the release of additional information where legally permissible.
Tillis has not said whether he would ultimately vote in favour of Blanche’s confirmation if the requested meeting takes place, but his position could prove significant as the Senate weighs the nomination.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to continue deliberations on Blanche’s nomination before deciding whether to advance it to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.
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