The confirmation of Todd Blanche for attorney general faced potential delays as a prominent Republican senator sought additional commitments regarding a settlement in President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
GOP Senator John Cornyn, described as a crucial swing vote, postponed a scheduled meeting with Blanche and told reporters that the Justice Department had not provided adequate written assurances addressing his concerns about the settlement. The settlement included protections shielding Trump and his family members from tax audits. The Senate Judiciary Committee had scheduled a vote for the following day to advance Blanche’s nomination, though officials indicated it could be postponed depending on developments. Another Republican committee member, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, aligned with Cornyn’s position, and a single Republican defection could jeopardize Blanche’s path forward.
The dispute centered on Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. The settlement included an agreement to drop tax claims against the president and initially encompassed a proposed $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” designed to compensate individuals claiming they were wronged by the Justice Department. In June, the Justice Department announced it was discontinuing efforts related to the fund amid objections from lawmakers across party lines, though officials stated the audit immunity agreement remained in effect.
Cornyn and other lawmakers expressed concern that the fund could be revived absent formal written assurances from the administration that it would not be pursued, particularly given Trump’s stated continued interest in the proposal. Blanche had previously declined to provide written retractions but indicated during his confirmation hearing that the administration would support legislative efforts to prohibit fund creation.
Additionally, Cornyn sought clarification regarding the tax immunity agreement’s specific parameters. Blanche stated the arrangement covered existing audits but would not shield the president from examination of future tax returns. A Justice Department official confirmed that written proposals addressing Cornyn’s concerns about both the immunity agreement and the fund had been submitted to his office.
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