Blanche to meet with Epstein accusers after demand from Republican senator crucial to confirmation

Blanche to meet with Epstein accusers after demand from Republican senator crucial to confirmation.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was expected to meet Thursday with accusers of Jeffrey Epstein after a key Republican senator said it was necessary to earn his support for Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department.

Sen. Thom Tillis had indicated during Blanche's confirmation hearing on Wednesday that he was leaning toward backing Blanche, who has been leading the department in an acting capacity since April. But after an Epstein accuser testified a day later, Tillis said he expects a meeting to occur before he's "willing to vote out of this committee."

Shortly after Tillis' remarks, Blanche -- who had been meeting with senators on Capitol Hill -- told reporters he had tried to meet the Epstein accusers in a Senate office building but "it didn't work out" and they were working to coordinate schedules. The Justice Department said later that the meeting was rescheduled for Thursday afternoon, adding: "He looks forward to their discussion."

"The Department of Justice will always meet with victims or their representatives, and if those victims or their representatives have evidence that anybody committed a crime -- whether it has to do with Jeffrey Epstein or anybody else -- we will of course move forward and investigate and prosecute," Blanche told reporters.