What you need to know since Jes Staley appeared before House Oversight
Acting AG Todd Blanche was front and center
Welcome back to The Cover-Up! Glad you’re with us to follow the latest developments and collectively turn information into justice.
Acting AG Todd Blanche, who has been central to the second Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein case from the start, was faced with pressure on multiple fronts over the past week. His nomination for Attorney General briefly appeared to be in jeopardy when Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis threatened to block it unless he explicitly stated in writing that the administration would not create a controversial slush fund for Trump’s allies. Blanche responded Sunday night by announcing he was formally scrapping the plan, but also snuck in language that would shield Trump from future IRS audits of his past tax returns. That appears to have been enough to win over Cornyn and Tillis, however, who now both say they will be voting to advance his nomination. Meanwhile, Blanche’s DOJ was forced to turn over unredacted Epstein records to a federal judge last Thursday in response to journalist Katie Phang’s lawsuit challenging the administration’s handling of the files. (The DOJ has already admitted to unnecessarily redacting Epstein’s email address in response to the suit). Now the judge overseeing the case will examine the unredacted records himself to determine whether the DOJ’s stated rationale for its redactions actually carries weight. While both stories are still unfolding, what remains clear is that Blanche continues to play a central role in the administration´s Epstein cover-up.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Leading Stories from The Cover-Up
Trace the life and career of Acting AG Todd Blanche—including his role in the Trump administration´s Epstein cover-up—through court records, DOJ disclosures, and original reporting from COURIER´s Nina Burleigh, Katie Chenoweth and Camaron Stevenson. Share on Twitter, Threads & Bluesky.
What a new report reveals about Jeffrey Epstein’s years in Northern Michigan
The Gander’s Kyle Kaminski covers a new report investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive connections to the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Share now on Instagram & Facebook.
Blanche risks losing AG role over promise to grant Trump family tax immunity
Camaron Stevenson explains why Blanche’s AG nomination could be in precarious shape due to Trump’s slush fund and his meeting with Epstein survivors. Read now on Substack, Bluesky, Threads & Twitter.
In this week’s American Freakshow, Nina Burleigh and Katie Chenoweth examine the allegations against the Tate brothers, their political connections to the Trump administration and their ideological similarities to Epstein. Read now on Substack, Threads, Twitter & Facebook.
Why the Senate Hearings on Todd Blanche Feel So Disorienting
Grave Injustice’s Lisa Graves breaks down why Blanche’s confirmation process feels so disturbing. Read now on Substack, Twitter, Threads and Facebook.
Headlines to Know
DoJ appears to ignore New Mexico deadline for key Epstein ranch files The Guardian, Richard Luscombe, 08/01/26
Epstein accusers say Trump’s DOJ nominee was dismissive to them USA TODAY, Erin Mansfield, 07/31/26
MAGA Candidate Faces Fresh Heat Over Epstein Pen Pal Cash The Daily Beast, Vic Verbalaitis, 07/30/26
Senate resolution opposes pardon for Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell The Washington Post, Alexei Koseff, 07/29/26
Investigation of School Epstein Helped Finds Abuses Went Beyond Him The New York Times, Graham Bowley, 07/28/26
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