President Trump indicated on Thursday that he may withdraw the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for the permanent position rather than accede to conditions set by Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. The two senators have raised objections to a settlement involving Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, which a judge characterized as problematic. Trump’s social media statement suggested he might resubmit Blanche’s nomination after the two senators leave office next year.
Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about multiple aspects of the tax settlement. They seek written assurances that a previously proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund” valued at $1.776 billion will not be revived, noting that Trump has continued to voice support for the initiative. Additionally, the senators want clarification that a provision granting Trump and his family members immunity from tax audits applies only to existing audits and does not shield the president from examination of future tax returns.
Despite Trump’s initial resistance, Blanche met with both senators hours after the president’s statement, and negotiations reportedly resumed on a collaborative basis. With all Democratic senators opposed to Blanche’s confirmation, a single Republican vote against the nomination on the Senate Judiciary Committee could prevent his advancement. Even if he clears that hurdle, sufficient Republican support in the full chamber remains uncertain.
Cornyn countered Trump’s apparent strategy by stating on social media that Republican concerns about the settlement extend beyond himself and Tillis. Tillis emphasized that if the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is truly defunct, the administration should formalize that commitment in writing. Should Trump follow through on withdrawing the nomination, the practical consequences for the Justice Department would be limited, as Blanche could continue leading the department as acting attorney general or in his previously confirmed role as deputy attorney general.
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