WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, demanded Chairman James Comer immediately bring in Attorney General Todd Blanche to answer questions before the Oversight Committee about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Epstein investigation and botched release of the Epstein files. In July, Chairman Comer publicly stated that he wanted Blanche to testify before the Committee “as soon as his confirmation is completed.” Blanche has not committed to testify before the Committee, and declined to promise that his DOJ will be independent of President Trump.
“Chairman Comer must stand by his word and take immediate steps to bring Todd Blanche before the Oversight Committee. Blanche continues to be responsible for the cover up of the Epstein files, special treatment for Ghislaine Maxwell, and the withholding of millions of documents. As our newly confirmed Attorney General, there is no more time to waste,” said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.
In the letter to Chairman James Comer, Ranking Member Garcia wrote, “The Committee’s interest in Mr. Blanche is especially urgent given his recent comments demonstrating a distorted view of the Justice Department’s core responsibilities. Since his confirmation, Mr. Blanche has explicitly refused to commit to “always act independently” of White House direction, in a shocking departure from decades of DOJ policy. As you know, Mr. Blanche previously served as President Trump’s personal attorney, and his comments only heighten concerns that Mr. Blanche will manage DOJ’s work—including the Epstein case—for the benefit of President Trump personally, and not the American people. Many Americans already believe that DOJ has sought to cover up the Epstein files to protect President Trump. Mr. Blanche must directly address these concerns for the American public.”
In July 2026, Ranking Member Garcia and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin urged the Senate to reject Blanche’s nomination ahead of his confirmation hearing for his failed handling of the Epstein files and his personal involvement in moving Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security prison. In June 2026, following the transcribed interview of former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Ranking Member Garcia demanded the Committee bring in Blanche for a transcribed interview regarding the Epstein investigation. In January 2026, Ranking Member Garcia condemned Blanche after the Department of Justice (DOJ) released only half of the Epstein files after months of defying the Oversight Committee subpoena and Epstein Files Transparency Act.
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