20 Epstein Survivors Press Kennedy to Block Blanche as 3 Million Files Fuel Dispute
Updated
Updated · NOLA.com · Jul 12
20 Epstein Survivors Press Kennedy to Block Blanche as 3 Million Files Fuel Dispute
3 articles · Updated · NOLA.com · Jul 12
Summary
Twenty Epstein survivors are urging Sen. John Kennedy to oppose Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination, hoping one Republican vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee can stop him when hearings open Wednesday.
Marina Lacerda, identified as Epstein’s “Minor Victim No. 1,” says Blanche minimized nearly 3 million investigative files as deputy attorney general instead of pursuing leads on other men tied to Epstein.
The push intensified after Kennedy’s late-2025 questioning of FBI Director Kash Patel, when Kennedy said Americans still deserve answers on who else, if anyone, Epstein trafficked girls to.
Lacerda also accuses Blanche’s team of mishandling disclosures by redacting powerful men’s names while leaving her name and Florida address exposed at least 46 times, after which she says survivors received death threats.
The nomination fight now extends beyond survivors: more than 1,200 former Justice Department employees and allies have also opposed Blanche, arguing his loyalty to Trump outweighs independence at the department.
Why were Epstein victims’ names exposed while influential figures in the files remained redacted?
What secrets about powerful people do the three million unpursued Epstein files still hold?
With thousands of experienced staff gone, can the Justice Department still function effectively?
Senate Confirmation Crisis: Todd Blanche’s Attorney General Nomination Imperiled by Epstein Files Redaction Scandal and Survivor Opposition
Overview
President Donald Trump's nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General in July 2026 has sparked immediate and intense opposition, especially from Jeffrey Epstein survivors who are leading a campaign to block his confirmation. The Senate, which must approve Blanche, is now under pressure as key lawmakers scrutinize his nomination, partly due to past controversies involving the mishandling of Epstein files—a problem that previously led to the ousting of former Attorney General Pam Bondi and has troubled the Trump administration for years. This situation highlights deep concerns about transparency, accountability, and public trust in the justice system.