Fired DOJ lawyer unloads on Todd Blanche at AG hearing

Former Justice Department pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer used Todd Blanche’s attorney general confirmation hearing to deliver a sharp warning about his fitness for the job, according to CBS News.

Oyer, identified by CBS News as a fired DOJ lawyer and former pardon attorney, accused Blanche of unethical and sycophantic conduct during the hearing. CBS News reported that she also accused him of carrying out former President Donald Trump’s “pointless vendettas.”

The criticism landed as Blanche faced scrutiny over his relationship with Trump and over the Justice Department’s handling of materials connected to Jeffrey Epstein, according to CBS News video descriptions from the hearing.

Oyer specifically condemned Blanche’s handling of the Epstein files, CBS News reported. In her testimony, she said, “The priority of this DOJ is protecting powerful men, even when it comes at the expense of vulnerable women.”

She framed her objections as broader than party politics. “These are not partisan concerns,” Oyer said, according to CBS News, before urging senators: “Please do not degrade our justice system further by promoting Mr. Blanche.”

CBS News identified Blanche in related hearing coverage as acting attorney general and said the hearing was part of his confirmation process for attorney general.

The hearing also included attention on the Epstein matter from other witnesses and senators, according to CBS News. Related CBS News video coverage listed an Epstein survivor testifying at the Blanche hearing and described key Republican senators as undecided as the hearing entered a second day.

Blanche also had at least one supporter speak at the hearing, according to CBS News, which listed a video of a woman voicing support for him during the confirmation proceedings.

CBS News did not report a response from Blanche to Oyer’s accusations in its description of the hearing segment.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.