Key Republican senators have postponed a Judiciary Committee vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, creating a significant obstacle to his confirmation. Blanche, who currently serves as the acting head of the Department of Justice, previously worked as Donald Trump’s personal criminal defense attorney before joining the administration.
The delay stems from reservations expressed by Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina regarding Blanche’s relationship with Trump and his involvement in a contentious legal settlement with the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS agreement followed a lawsuit related to the agency’s disclosure of Trump’s tax returns and included provisions that would shield Trump and his family from future tax investigations. The settlement also established a so-called $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation fund” that would allow individuals claiming political persecution by federal authorities to seek compensation. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have criticized this fund as a misuse of taxpayer resources to benefit Trump’s associates.
During recent Senate hearings, Blanche stated that the controversial fund had been discontinued, and a federal judge ruled the settlement unlawful. However, critics have indicated they require written assurances from Blanche and other officials confirming the abandonment of the settlement, citing concerns that the plan could be reinstated. Cornyn has characterized the DOJ’s response to additional information requests as evasive.
Trump addressed the nomination delay on social media, suggesting that Cornyn’s opposition relates to prior political disagreements between them. Trump had endorsed Paxton, Cornyn’s primary challenger, in May, and Paxton subsequently defeated Cornyn in the primary election. Trump indicated he might temporarily withdraw Blanche’s nomination while criticizing both dissenting senators, though Blanche would continue as acting attorney general during any such period.
At the DOJ, Blanche has overseen several of Trump’s stated priorities, including investigations targeting the president’s political opponents. During Senate questioning, Blanche maintained that he operates the department independently from White House direction. He has also faced scrutiny regarding the DOJ’s handling of investigation files related to financier Jeffrey Epstein, which Congress compelled the department to release earlier this year.
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