The Senate will return to Capitol Hill this week to hold multiple confirmation hearings for several key administration posts, including the position of attorney general. President Donald Trump’s nominee, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, will face a hearing that is likely to draw particular attention due to the prominence of the position and opposition from over 1,200 former Justice Department employees.

Opposition to Blanche’s Nomination

The former employees signed a letter urging the Senate to reject Blanche’s nomination, citing concerns over what they described as ‘corruption and abuses’ that have defined the Justice Department under his leadership. They also pointed to ‘vindictive prosecutions and investigations of the president’s foes,’ the handling of the Epstein files, and repeated violations of court orders.

Despite a large portion of his career being spent at the Justice Department, the former employees wrote that Blanche is ‘demonizing career employees’ and demoralizing the department. Approximately 16,000 employees have left due to restructuring, the elimination of various offices, clashing visions for the department, or a ‘culture of fear’ Blanche has created.

Other Confirmation Hearings

Other confirmation hearings for prominent positions include those for Jay Clayton, nominated for director of national intelligence; Erica Schwartz, nominated for CDC director; and Keith Sonderling, nominated for labor secretary. These nominees are seen as less controversial picks than some of Trump’s other nominees.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.