WASHINGTON – The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, drawing sharp criticism from New Mexico senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich.
The Senate voted late Friday night to make President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer the head of the Justice Department after weeks of drama.
Only two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against him along with all Democrats.
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján sent KOB 4 a statement after voting against Blanche in part saying, “The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes — and the American people — deserve transparency and accountability, not continued efforts to withhold information or shield those in positions of power.”
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich also criticized Blanche in a statement.
“He has transformed the Department of Justice into the President’s personal law firm, using it to enrich and protect Donald Trump and his family,” Heinrich said.
Later in his statement, Heinrich referenced New Mexico’s ongoing legal battle against the Justice Department.
Earlier this year, the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) reopened its investigation into Epstein’s alleged crimes in New Mexico.
The state’s Department of Justice requested the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) send over the unredacted Epstein files. That did not happen.
New Mexico’s lawsuit asks the court to declare the USDOJ’s refusal unlawful and order federal officials to hand over the files.
The lawsuit also asks the court to require the federal government to reconsider the request.
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján statement
“The Attorney General’s duty is to uphold the rule of law, defend the Constitution, and ensure that justice is applied fairly and equally to every American. Todd Blanche’s record makes it clear that he cannot carry out those responsibilities independently of President Trump.
The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes — and the American people — deserve transparency and accountability, not continued efforts to withhold information or shield those in positions of power. Under Todd Blanche’s leadership, the DOJ will continue putting President Trump’s personal and political interests ahead of justice and accountability for victims.
Todd Blanche’s confirmation will only further erode public trust in one of our nation’s most important institutions. I will continue fighting to protect the independence of the DOJ and ensure that no one is above the law.”
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich statement
“I voted against Mr. Blanche’s nomination because he has repeatedly shown that his loyalty is to Donald Trump – not to the Constitution or the American people.
He has transformed the Department of Justice into the President’s personal law firm, using it to enrich and protect Donald Trump and his family. Mr. Blanche also helped establish a nearly $2 billion slush fund that rewards President Trump’s allies, including violent criminals who attacked cops on January 6. And he has withheld critical information related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes at Zorro Ranch by refusing to provide full, unredacted investigative records from the Department of Justice to New Mexico law enforcement authorities. Time and again, Mr. Blanche has put politics and personal loyalty ahead of justice.
The Attorney General’s job is to uphold the rule of law, deliver on public safety, and ensure that justice is applied fairly and independently. The American people deserve an Attorney General they can trust to do that. Todd Blanche has made it abundantly clear that he is not that person.”
