Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with a group of Jeffrey Epstein survivors Thursday evening, a face-to-face encounter that occurred hours after one of the two Republican senators withholding support for his nomination conditioned his vote on the meeting. The discussion aimed to address concerns about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein investigation and the accidental disclosure of victim information.
Senator Thom Tillis had stated that his confirmation vote depended on Blanche engaging directly with the survivors. The meeting took place amidst a tight Senate confirmation process, complicated by the razor-thin majority held by Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Survivors, however, characterized the meeting as disappointing. Liz Stein, an attendee, described the encounter as "demoralizing" and suggested it was primarily a performative act to aid Blanche's nomination. "It had absolutely nothing to do with us, and it had everything to do with Blanche checking a box so that he can get a promotion," Stein told MS Now. She added that Blanche "talked around questions" and did not provide "transparent answers."
Another survivor, Annie Farmer, stated that she found Blanche to be "abrasive, condescending, and intentionally noncommittal to survivors."
In contrast, a spokesperson for the Justice Department described the meeting as a "productive, initial" discussion. The spokesperson stated that Blanche "answered questions and walked through what is needed for investigations to proceed." The acting attorney general encouraged victims to engage with FBI investigators, and according to the DOJ, attendees spoke with agents after the meeting about scheduling interviews.
The confirmation hearing itself highlighted stark contrasts in perspectives. Democrats pressed Blanche on personnel changes within the Justice Department and the handling of the Epstein probe. Epstein survivor Dani Bensky testified that Blanche and his team had ignored requests for a meeting for months.
Senator Tillis, however, expressed appreciation for Blanche's willingness to meet with the survivors, noting that it was the first time in two decades such engagement had occurred. "I appreciate his willingness to directly engage and listen to them," Tillis posted on social media after the meeting.
Blanche has previously acknowledged that the DOJ mishandled sensitive materials, including those that revealed victim information. He told Senate Appropriations Committee members earlier this year, "Any time we release a victim’s name that shouldn’t be released, we have failed as a Department of Justice." He reiterated his understanding of victims' anger during his confirmation hearing.