Senator Jeff Merkley clashed sharply with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during a heated exchange over the Justice Department’s handling of politically sensitive investigations, such as Epstein files. Merkley accused President Donald Trump of weaponising the DOJ against political opponents, calling the administration’s actions an “enemies list” approach. Blanche fired back, arguing that such accusations reflected the same “disgusting” conduct the Trump administration claims occurred under former President Joe Biden. The tense confrontation highlighted growing partisan divisions over the independence and credibility of the U.S. justice system.