Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, representing Illinois and serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made an opening statement during a hearing for Justice Department executive nominees. The hearing focused on the nominations of Todd Blanche for Deputy Attorney General and Gail Slater for Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division.

Durbin expressed concerns about President Trump's intentions regarding the Justice Department. He stated, "President Trump has vowed to use the Justice Department to advance his own interests and to seek ‘retribution’ against ‘the enemy within.’"

He further criticized actions taken by the Trump Administration, noting, "The Trump Administration already purged dozens of senior career leaders at the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation… And, the Administration has forced career law enforcement officers to retire, resign, or be fired simply for executing tasks that were assigned to them. These actions are nakedly partisan."

Durbin voiced apprehensions about Attorney General Pam Bondi's loyalty to President Trump: "Many members on the Democratic side of the aisle expressed fears that Attorney General Pam Bondi would put her loyalty to the President ahead of anything else. Our fears have been realized." He highlighted Bondi's first-day memos which reflected extreme priorities aligned with Project 2025 policies and mentioned her establishment of a 'Weaponization Working Group.'

Regarding Todd Blanche’s nomination, Durbin remarked that it requires careful consideration due to existing political retributions at the Justice Department: "Given the political retribution that is already being carried out with the blessing of the President at the Justice Department, Mr. Blanche’s nomination deserves heightened scrutiny."

Durbin shared his conversation with Blanche where he emphasized adherence to legal principles: “Mr. Blanche, I enjoyed meeting with you in my office… You told me repeatedly that your true loyalty is to the rule of law. That’s the right answer from my point of view.”

Finally, Durbin urged caution concerning developments within federal agencies: “What is happening at the Federal Bureau of Investigation should give Republicans and Democrats pause. That great agency is entrusted with the safety and security of United States of America. Making it political does not help.”

Footage and audio recordings from Durbin’s statement are available for public viewing.