特朗普前律师托德·布兰奇即将确认为美国司法部长，此举引发Epstein性侵案幸存者的强烈反对。[1]多名幸存者警告，布兰奇的任职将进一步阻碍他们追求正义的努力。[1]据报道，超过1000名未成年女性和女性遭受虐待，但除Epstein和Ghislaine Maxwell外，没有其他涉案人员面临指控。[1]
幸存者指控布兰奇在临时司法部长期间处理该案件不当。[1]据称，布兰奇在与幸存者的会面中"进行了一小时的转移、打断和煤气灯操纵"。[1]法律专家Carl Tobias指出，即使未获参议院正式确认，布兰奇也可作为临时司法部长继续控制Epstein案件。[1]专家Bryan Sullivan表示，确认布兰奇意味着"更多压制和没有对Epstein性贩运的积极调查"。[1]对此，白宫发言人Abigail Jackson回应称："Todd Blanche担任司法部长期间表现出色，将继续表现出色。"[1]
Todd Blanche, a former attorney for Donald Trump, is poised for confirmation as Attorney General, prompting Epstein survivors to voice concerns that his leadership could obstruct their pursuit of justice.[1] Survivors have criticized Blanche's handling of the Epstein case during his tenure as acting Attorney General, alleging he leaked survivor information while withholding details about defendants, and noting that only Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell have faced charges.[1] Legal experts contend that a Blanche-led Department of Justice will intensify suppression of investigations into other individuals implicated in the trafficking scheme.[1]
The scope of abuse has been vast: more than 1,000 underage girls and women suffered exploitation, yet no figures beyond Epstein and Maxwell have been prosecuted.[1] Carl Tobias, a legal scholar, cautioned that Blanche could retain control over the Epstein matter even without formal Senate confirmation by continuing in an acting capacity.[1] Bryan Sullivan warned that confirming Blanche would mean "more suppression and no active investigation into Epstein sex trafficking."[1] During a meeting with survivors, Blanche engaged in what one described as "an hour of deflection, interruption, and gaslighting."[1]
The White House has defended Blanche's record, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating that "Todd Blanche has performed excellently as Attorney General and will continue to do so."[1]