Todd Blanche faces questions about Trump, the Epstein files and more in his attorney general confirmation hearing.Friends of Nolan Wells called for help with their boat on the day the teen went missing, according to new audio.
And some companies are starting to limit their employees’ use of AI products.Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Here’s what to know today.Todd Blanche says he’s not a Trump ‘yes man’Add NBC News to GoogleTrump’s pick for Attorney General grilled in hearing02:16In a confirmation hearing before the Senate yesterday, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced questions about his friendship with President Donald Trump and the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files.He also insisted he’s not a “yes man” to the president — but said Trump is still his boss.
This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day.Sign up here to get it in your inbox.After the sudden death of Sen.
Lindsey Graham last weekend, a single Republican defection could block Blanche’s confirmation for the permanent job.Sen.
John Cornyn, who has been caught in Trump’s crosshairs, said he’s “not there yet” on voting in favor of Blanche.When asked whether he’d run the DOJ independently from the White House, Blanche said he’d operate it with the goal of protecting Americans — but as a member of the executive branch, he reports to the president.
Blanche also defended himself when questioned about whether his previous dealings with Trump as his former personal lawyer would be a conflict of interest.“I’m his lawyer.
Was his lawyer,” Blanche said at one point, correcting himself, while being questioned.Sen.Thom Tillis grilled Blanche on the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund to settle Trump’s suit against the IRS, asking if the fund was truly “dead.” Numerous Democrats also pressed Blanche about his handling of the Epstein files, promptin...