Tillis withholds Blanche vote until AG pick meets Epstein survivors
Axios · LC · trust 65/100
Add Axios on Google Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.
Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said Thursday he will not vote to confirm acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the permanent role until Blanche meets with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse.
Why it matters: Even a single Republican "no" vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee would prevent Blanche's nomination from advancing to a confirmation vote before the full Senate.
What they're saying: "I have not made a final decision, but Mr. Blanche said very quickly yesterday that he would meet with the Epstein victims today if it could be arranged," Tillis said during Thursday's committee hearing.
Catch up quick: Blanche said during Wednesday's hearing that he was "prohibited from meeting directly with" survivors but added that he has met with many of their attorneys.
Yes, but: Earlier in Thursday's hearing, Epstein survivor Dani Bensky said that she was "not aware" of a staffer reaching out to follow up on Blanche's comments.
Zoom out: Tillis announced in 2025 that he would retire from Congress when his term ends in 2027.
sms (opens in new window) facebook (opens in new window) twitter (opens in new window) linkedin (opens in new window) bluesky (opens in new window) Add Axios on Google What to read next Smarter, faster on what matters. Explore Axios Newsletters About Axios Advertise with us Careers Contact us Newsletters Axios Live Axios HQ Privacy policy Terms of use Axios Homepage Axios Media Inc., 2026
Read the original at Axios →
Open in TruthVane →