Todd Blanche defends Trump relationship and new audio in Nolan Wells case: Morning Rundown

Morning RundownTodd Blanche defends Trump relationship and new audio in Nolan Wells case: Morning RundownPlus, ICE leadership was surprised by Trump’s call for continued immigration traffic stops in the wake of two fatal shootings.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00A person holds a placard that reads "Justice for Nolan" outside the National Action Network headquarters in New York City on July 10.David Dee Delgado / ReutersShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 16, 2026, 7:00 AM EDTBy Elizabeth Robinson and David HickeyTodd Blanche faces questions about Trump, the Epstein files and more in his attorney general confirmation hearing. Friends of Nolan Wells called for help with their boat on the day the teen went missing, according to new audio. And some companies are starting to limit their employees’ use of AI products.Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Here’s what to know today.Todd Blanche says he’s not a Trump ‘yes man’Add NBC News to GoogleTrump’s pick for Attorney General grilled in hearing02:16In a confirmation hearing before the Senate yesterday, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced questions about his friendship with President Donald Trump and the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files. He also insisted he’s not a “yes man” to the president — but said Trump is still his boss. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.After the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham last weekend, a single Republican defection could block Blanche’s confirmation for the permanent job. Sen. John Cornyn, who has been caught in Trump’s crosshairs, said he’s “not there yet” on voting in favor of Blanche. When asked whether he’d run the DOJ independently from the White House, Blanche said he’d operate it with the goal of protecting Americans — but as a member of the executive branch, he reports to the president. Blanche also def...