Deputy AG Blanche defends DOJ’s work on Epstein case ahead of closed-door Hill briefing

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files ahead of his appearance on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, saying the DOJ has no new evidence to prosecute anyone for crimes related to Jeffrey Epstein and that the department is pursuing every perpetrator.

“Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, ahead of his appearance on Capitol Hill Wednesday, defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files and asserted it does not have new evidence to prosecute anyone for crimes related to Jeffrey Epstein, in an interview released Tuesday that forced him to face theories plaguing the department”

CNN

He stressed that he is not defending Epstein, but defending the work the department is doing today, and rejected the notion that the DOJ is ignoring Epstein victims.

CNN

The remarks come as Blanche and Attorney General Pam Bondi are set to brief members of Congress behind closed doors on the Epstein investigation.

On the podcast, Miller pressed Blanche to explain why the public should trust the DOJ’s account and challenged longstanding theories about Epstein’s death in jail, whether the FBI had a list of clients, and why cameras inside Epstein’s home aren’t better understood.

She also questioned why new cases were being brought abroad rather than in the United States, asking how the UK could do more on Prince Andrew than the United States could do for similar elites.

CNN

Blanche replied that what matters is provable evidence and invited anyone with evidence to come to the FBI.

The article notes that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

Blanche dismissed other conspiracy theories tied to Epstein, including claims he was connected to a foreign intelligence operation, that the body wheeled out of his cell was a body double, and that Epstein was linked to the Pizzagate conspiracy.

“Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, ahead of his appearance on Capitol Hill Wednesday, defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files and asserted it does not have new evidence to prosecute anyone for crimes related to Jeffrey Epstein, in an interview released Tuesday that forced him to face theories plaguing the department”

CNN

Miller pressed on the coded-language question, asking if ice cream could be code for something else, and Blanche replied, 'I’m not saying ice cream is never a coded word for something else,' but noted there were 'references to sexual, to underage women' in the files and that Epstein was a disgusting man.

When Miller asked whether the files supported Pizzagate, Blanche said, 'I do not.'

The interview and briefing come as the DOJ has faced fierce criticism over its Epstein handling, with lawmakers and the public questioning how the investigation unfolded.

Blanche’s defense centers on pursuing every perpetrator with provable evidence and continuing outreach to informants who can provide credible tips.

CNN