Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, seeking to become the permanent Attorney General of the United States.

Background and Experience

Blanche, who previously served as the deputy attorney general, presented the administration’s crime data and outlined his personal background in the Department of Justice. He expressed his commitment to serving the department, stating that it was his “American dream” to do so.

Blanche detailed his nine-year tenure as a line prosecutor and division chief, targeting violent gangs and drug dealers. He also mentioned his early career working as a paralegal at a U.S. attorney’s office while attending law school at night.

Policy and Statistics

During his testimony, Blanche cited several statistics regarding the Justice Department’s activities since President Donald Trump took office. He stated that murders are down roughly 20% nationwide, representing the lowest murder rate since 1900, while violent-crime arrests have increased by nearly 114%.

Blanche highlighted the removal of nearly 5,000 child predators and human traffickers from communities and the filing of nearly 100,000 indictments and informations since January 20, 2025. He also mentioned joint federal, state, and local law enforcement operations in Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee, as examples of the department’s current strategy.

Blanche reported on the designation of major drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, resulting in dozens of cartel leaders being placed in American custody. He also discussed the largest healthcare fraud takedown in U.S. history, totaling over $14 billion, along with an additional $11 billion in total fraud cases over the past three months.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Blanche concluded his statement by addressing public perception of the department, acknowledging ongoing political scrutiny and debates. He emphasized the importance of restoring American trust in the Justice Department.

The hearings are scheduled to continue, with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee from both parties set to question Blanche regarding his record, legal views, and future plans for the agency.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.