US Senator Blasts AG Pick for 'Dismantling' Crypto Unit Amid Trump Ties

US Senator Dick Durbin criticized President Trump's AG pick Todd Blanche for dismantling the Justice Department's crypto enforcement unit, which was disbanded in April 2025. Blanche, who has been acting US Attorney General since Pamela Bondi's firing in April, faced questions about his handling of crypto-related crimes and other actions during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Durbin accused Blanche of enabling Trump to earn $1.4 billion from his ties to the industry, including his family's business World Liberty Financial, by shutting down ongoing criminal investigations of the crypto industry. He also alleged that former Binance CEO Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao brokered a deal to channel $2 billion into World Liberty, which led to a presidential pardon for Zhao.

Blanche faced further questioning from Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who expressed concern about the pardon of CZ Zhao. Blanche said he would review the pardon process if confirmed as Attorney General.