Padilla Statement Opposing Todd Blanche’s Nomination to be U.S. Attorney General

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement following the Senate's confirmation vote on the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the next U.S. Attorney General:

"Todd Blanche is unfit to serve as Attorney General. As Acting Attorney General, Blanche has shown he is more loyal to Trump than he is to the American people or the Constitution.

"He is the architect of the $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded slush fund for convicted January 6 insurrectionists who stormed our Capitol and assaulted law enforcement officers. He has repeatedly refused to provide transparency around the Epstein files while shielding Donald Trump - who appears in the files thousands of times - and his predatory allies. Blanche has also made clear that, if confirmed, he will roll back abortion access across the nation.

"When forced to choose between the Constitution and Donald Trump, Todd Blanche chooses Donald Trump, including by helping secure immunity for him and his family's potential tax crimes. America deserves better.

"I strongly oppose Todd Blanche to be our next Attorney General. His confirmation will be a setback for the independence of the Department of Justice, but I will continue to stand up for everyone's Constitutional rights, demand accountability from the Trump Administration, and fight to uphold the rule of law."

Padilla has consistently fought to hold Trump's Department of Justice (DOJ) accountable. This week, Padilla slammed Todd Blanche during the Senate Judiciary Committee's vote on Blanche's nomination, making clear that Blanche is unfit to be U.S. Attorney General. Last month, Padilla questioned Blanche during a Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing, demanding answers about the anti-weaponization fund and allegiance to Trump.

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