Public official in focus
The Senate Judiciary Committee is questioning Todd Blanche, acting attorney general, about his past with Trump, the handling of the Epstein files, and a controversial $1.8 billion fund; Republicans and Democrats press on independence and accountability as the nomination moves forward.
The Guardian reports deadly ICE incidents amid growing calls to abolish ICE and hold officials to account. Victims’ families urge prosecutions and retroactive liability, signaling a broader push for systemic reform and legal repercussions for those involved.
The Justice Department has received a referral from House Republicans alleging that Jack Smith has knowingly made false statements regarding access to lawmakers’ text messages during the Trump investigations. Smith’s team is accused of viewing privileged texts, while Congress asserts new records show otherwise. The referral has not compelled action by the DOJ, and responses from all parties are pending.