Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced intense scrutiny during his Senate confirmation hearing as lawmakers questioned the legality and implications of a $1.776 billion fund created to compensate Trump allies and a tax immunity deal for the president.Republican Senator John Cornyn raised concerns about the fund's status, noting that Trump had not formally agreed to its cancellation.Blanche defended the fund's shelving, asserting it was never launched and Trump had no authority over it.However, critics argued the fund's existence could be resurrected without written confirmation.The hearing also addressed Trump's tax immunity, which remains in place despite bipartisan criticism.Blanche faced additional questions about the delayed release of Jeffrey Epstein files and the Justice Department's handling of the case.

Democratic Senator Chris Coons accused Blanche of prosecuting the president's political enemies and firing prosecutors, while Blanche claimed he inherited a politicized department.

The confirmation process is critical for securing Republican support, with key senators like Cornyn and Thom Tillis expressing reservations about the Trump-linked fund.

The hearing occurred amid ongoing controversies over the Justice Department's independence and its role in investigating Trump's allies and adversaries.