NPR News: 07-16-2026 6AM EDT

Jasmine Garsd0:00

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Windsor Johnston· Host0:16

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche returns to Capitol Hill today for a second day of testimony as he seeks Senate confirmation to lead the Justice Department. NPR's Carrie Johnson reports Blanche on Wednesday faced pointed questions from members of both parties about his independence and his relationship with President Trump.

Carrie Johnson0:41

Blanche worked as Trump's personal lawyer for a couple years. He defended Trump in cases that involve election interference, classified documents, and Democrats say he's still serving Donald Trump instead of the Constitution. Then under questioning, Blanche seemed to make a slip of the tongue. Here he is being questioned by Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana.

John Kennedy· Soundbite1:03

Are you and President Trump friends?

Todd Blanche· Soundbite1:05

I'm his lawyer, was his lawyer, and now I'm the deputy attorney general.

Carrie Johnson1:10

Blanche went on to say he's not a yes man and that his time defending Trump should not define his long career.

Windsor Johnston· Host1:18

That's NPR's Carrie Johnson reporting. Iran has released an American woman who had been unable to leave the country for the past year and a half. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.