US President Donald Trump’s choice for attorney general, Todd Blanche, faces a possible Republican roadblock in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Two Republican senators are withholding support from the nomination, making its advancement increasingly precarious.
The vote on advancing Blanche’s nomination out of the committee was expected to take place on Thursday but has been delayed. A key vote scheduled within 13 hours of Wednesday night did not occur as most lawmakers had left the US Capitol. The committee has not announced whether to cancel the vote entirely.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee is controlled by Republicans 12-10. This margin means either Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) or Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) could join unified Democratic opposition to block the nomination from reaching the Senate floor. Blanche needs the vote of every Republican member of the committee to advance.
Dispute Over 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
The dispute centers on a settlement between US President Donald Trump and his administration over the illegal disclosure of his tax records. Senators Cornyn and Tillis are demanding that a proposed $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' be permanently cancelled. They have requested written assurances because they fear the settlement text with the president's legal team might still require the fund to be established.
The fund originated from a settlement between US President Donald Trump's legal team and the IRS, engineered by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) after Trump took office in 2025. The DOJ claimed the fund would 'provide a systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare' by the agency.
Controversy arose over whether the anti-weaponization fund could be used to reward January 6 rioters who were subsequently pardoned by US President Donald Trump. Funding for the fund was excluded from the second Republican reconciliation package, but Senators Cornyn and Tillis demanded it be completely eliminated. The US White House and Todd Blanche have stated that the fund is 'dead'.
Senators Hold Firm
US Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and US Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) are showing no signs of backing down on their demands concerning Todd Blanche's nomination to become permanent US Attorney General. They also oppose a provision that would give US President Donald Trump perpetual immunity from IRS audits of his finances prior to May 19, 2026.
Senator Cornyn told reporters he would not support Blanche's nomination without written confirmation that the proposed $1.8 billion fund for the president's allies was dead. He accused the US Justice Department of 'stonewalling' his requests, stating that officials had 'simply refused to cooperate.' Cornyn stated that he owes it to his constituents and to Todd Blanche to try to negotiate in good faith.
Senator Cornyn stated that the issue is about ensuring the president does not get favorable terms from the government in a settlement, such as protections from IRS audits. He noted that he has voted with US President Donald Trump '99.3 percent of the time'. Senator Cornyn also stated that the president's decision to endorse his primary opponent 'has nothing to do' with his opposition to Blanche.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is in his last year of service in the US Senate and has elected to retire, said of President Trump's threat to withdraw Blanche's nomination: 'That's his prerogative.' Tillis added: 'This is not Blanche's problem. It's clear to me that Blanche was honest when he answered without hesitation, working with us to end this. I believe that one of the president's advisors who were part of this agreement is the problem. And they need to own it.'
Trump's Response
US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he would have 'no objection' to temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche's nomination until his Republican opponents are out of office next January. Trump described Todd Blanche as a 'STAR' and claimed he 'has the potential to go down as one of the Greatest Attorney Generals of All Time'.
Trump also claimed on Truth Social that he refused to endorse US Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. He claimed that their political careers have been ended by his actions. Trump criticized the senators for previously voting for US Attorney General nominee Merrick Garland under former President Joe Biden, stating: 'Remember, both Cornyn and Tillis voted for Merrick Garland, and others, too numerous to mention.'
Trump's threat to withdraw Blanche followed a day of fruitless negotiations with Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. Todd Blanche would 'remain, in any event, as Acting'. Blanche is described as a Justice Department loyalist and was former US President Donald Trump's defence lawyer.
The settlement has intensified broader concerns that Todd Blanche has acted and would continue to act as US President Donald Trump's personal attorney rather than an independent chief law enforcement officer. As acting US Attorney General, Blanche has overseen cases against presidential adversaries while defending legal arrangements favorable to US President Donald Trump and his allies.
A spokesperson for the US Senate Judiciary Committee stated that the hearing on Todd Blanche's nomination was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support in committee. The spokesperson described Blanche as 'highly qualified' for the job. The US administration has provided new language and remains in talks with Senators Cornyn and Tillis, leaving open the possibility of rescheduling the vote before the US Senate's August recess.
Senator John Cornyn stated that US President Donald Trump 'is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis.' Senator Thom Tillis warned: 'The best case scenario is you come back with the same number of people next year, and our members are not going to be any more supportive of this than they are today.'
Updates
President Trump has called for Blanche's immediate approval, while Senator Thom Tillis described him as qualified and honest, noting that Trump intends to resurrect the disputed fund through new legislation or a separate fund. Meanwhile, US District Judge Kathleen Williams blocked the parties from referencing the settlement in official proceedings, labeling the lawsuit a 'bad faith' means to an end, an order Trump's attorneys plan to appeal. Additionally, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects the nomination to return for a vote once Senators Cornyn and Tillis are satisfied.
President Donald Trump has called for Blanche's immediate approval, while Senator Thom Tillis, who previously withheld support, now describes Blanche as qualified and honest, contingent on the White House honoring prior commitments. Meanwhile, US District Judge Kathleen Williams has blocked the parties from referring to the settlement in official proceedings, labeling the lawsuit a 'bad faith' means to an end. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects the nomination to return for a vote once the concerns of Senators Cornyn and Tillis are addressed.
President Trump has called for Blanche's immediate approval, while Senator Thom Tillis, who previously withheld support, now described Blanche as qualified and honest despite demanding the White House honor earlier commitments. Meanwhile, US District Judge Kathleen Williams blocked the parties from referring to the settlement in official proceedings, labeling the lawsuit a 'bad faith' means to an end. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects the nomination to return for a vote once the concerns of Senators Cornyn and Tillis are addressed.
President Trump has called for Blanche's immediate approval, while Senator Thom Tillis expressed that the nominee is qualified and honest, conditioned on the White House honoring an earlier commitment. Additionally, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects the nomination to return for a vote once the concerns of Senators Cornyn and Tillis are addressed. Amidst these developments, US District Judge Kathleen Williams blocked the parties from referring to the settlement in official proceedings, describing the lawsuit as a 'bad faith' means to an end.
Senator John Cornyn reached an agreement with the DOJ to permanently terminate the disputed anti-weaponization fund and secure a binding document limiting the audit settlement's scope to only the plaintiffs. Following this, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche released a memo officially declaring the fund dead, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects the nomination to return for a vote once Senators Cornyn and Tillis are satisfied. Additionally, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's confirmation this Tuesday.
Senator Cornyn has reached an agreement with the DOJ to permanently terminate the disputed anti-weaponization fund through a formal order and a binding document limiting the audit settlement scope solely to the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche officially declared the fund dead in a memo released Sunday evening, even as Senator Tillis suggested Trump may attempt to resurrect the payout through new legislation or a different fund. The Senate Judiciary Committee is now scheduled to vote on Blanche's confirmation this Tuesday.
Senator Cornyn has reached an agreement with the DOJ to formally terminate the disputed anti-weaponization fund and secure a binding written document limiting the audit settlement scope to only the plaintiffs. While Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche released a memo stating the fund is officially dead, Senator Thom Tillis indicated that President Trump intends to resurrect the payout through a new fund or legislation. Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's confirmation this Tuesday.
Senator Cornyn has reached an agreement with the DOJ to formally terminate the disputed anti-weaponization fund and secure a binding document limiting the audit settlement's scope to only the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche released a memo stating that the proposed fund is officially dead, despite Senator Tillis suggesting Trump intends to resurrect it through new legislation or a different fund. Additionally, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's confirmation this Tuesday as Senate leader John Thune expects the nomination to return for a vote once Cornyn and Tillis are satisfied.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche released a memo on Sunday evening declaring the proposed 'anti-weaponization fund' officially dead, following Senator John Cornyn's agreement with the DOJ to permanently terminate the fund through a formal order and a binding document limiting the audit settlement scope. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects Blanche's nomination to return for a vote once Senators Cornyn and Tillis are satisfied, with the Judiciary Committee scheduled to vote on his confirmation this Tuesday. Additionally, US District Judge Kathleen Williams blocked the parties from referring to the settlement in official proceedings, describing the lawsuit as a 'bad faith's
Senator Cornyn has reached an agreement with the DOJ to permanently terminate the disputed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and secure a binding document limiting the audit settlement scope solely to the plaintiffs. Following this, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche released a memo officially declaring the proposed fund dead. While Senator Tillis described Blanche as qualified and honest, he noted that the White House must honor earlier commitments to secure his vote, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune expecting the nomination to return for a vote once both Cornyn and Tillis are satisfied.
Senator Cornyn has reached an agreement with the DOJ to permanently terminate the anti-weaponization fund and secure a binding written document that limits the audit settlement scope solely to the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memo on Sunday evening declaring the proposed fund officially dead, despite Senator Thom Tillis suggesting that President Trump intends to resurrect the payout through a new fund or legislation. The Senate Judiciary Committee is now scheduled to vote on Blanche's confirmation this Tuesday.
Senator John Cornyn has reached an agreement with the DOJ to permanently terminate the disputed anti-weaponization fund and secure a binding document limiting the audit settlement scope to only the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche released a memo on Sunday evening officially declaring the proposed fund dead. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects Blanche's nomination to return for a vote once Senators Cornyn and Tillis are satisfied with these developments.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis announced they have resolved their concerns following the negotiation of a legally enforceable document released by Todd Blanche, which includes a formal order terminating the disputed anti-weaponization fund. The document clarifies that President Trump and his family will not receive indefinite protection from future tax audits, and both senators expressed satisfaction with this resolution. Meanwhile, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has rescheduled the vote on Blanche's nomination for Tuesday.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis announced they have resolved their concerns following the release of a legally enforceable document from acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche that officially terminates the disputed anti-weaponization fund. This settlement includes a formal order to end the fund and a binding document limiting the IRS settlement scope to only the plaintiffs, clarifying that President Trump and his family will not receive indefinite protection from future tax audits.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis have announced their concerns are resolved following the negotiation of a legally enforceable document that officially terminates the disputed anti-weaponization fund. The document released by acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche clarifies that President Trump and his family will not receive indefinite protection from future tax audits. Consequently, the senators expressed they were pleased with the formal order to end the fund.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis have announced they are satisfied following the release of a legally enforceable document by acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, which includes a formal order to terminate the disputed anti-weaponization fund. This document clarifies that President Trump and his family will not receive indefinite protection from future tax audits, effectively resolving the senators' concerns regarding the $1.8 billion settlement fund.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis announced they have resolved their concerns following the negotiation of a legally enforceable document released by acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche. This document officially rescinds the previous order regarding the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and clarifies that President Trump and his family will not receive indefinite protection from future tax audits. Consequently, both senators expressed they are pleased with the formal order terminating the fund.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis announced they have resolved their concerns regarding Todd Blanche's nomination following the negotiation of a legally enforceable document that formally terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. The document released by Blanche clarifies that President Trump and his family will not receive indefinite protection from future tax audits. Additionally, the Senate Judiciary Committee has rescheduled the vote on Blanche's confirmation for Tuesday.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis announced they have resolved their concerns following the release of a legally enforceable document by acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, which includes a formal order terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. This official order rescinds the previous May 18, 2026, order regarding the fund and clarifies that President Trump and his family will not receive indefinite protection from future tax audits.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general following an agreement with Senators Cornyn and Tillis. The resolution of their concerns came after Blanche provided a legally enforceable document that formally terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limits the IRS audit settlement scope strictly to the original plaintiffs.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following the issuance of a legally enforceable document by Blanche that formally terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limits the IRS audit settlement scope to the original plaintiffs. While all Republican members supported the nomination, Democrats opposed it, expressing concerns that the fund could still be revived and labeling the new documentation a 'sham.'
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. While all Republican members voted in favor, the move follows a negotiated agreement where Blanche provided a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the audit settlement scope to specific plaintiffs. Despite the committee's approval, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor for final confirmation.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, with all Republican members voting in favor and all Democrats opposing. This follows a resolution where acting Attorney General Blanche issued a formal order permanently terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and a binding document limiting the IRS audit settlement scope to the specific plaintiffs. Despite the agreement reached with Senators Cornyn and Tillis, some Democrats have characterized the documents as a 'sham' and 'fraud' that fail to provide real guarantees against the fund's revival.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats opposing. This follows a resolution where Blanche provided a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the IRS audit settlement scope to the specific parties involved. Despite the deal, some Democrats, including Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Cory Booker, criticized the outcome as insufficient, describing the documents as having too much 'weasel room.'
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following a resolution where acting AG Blanche provided a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. While all Republican committee members voted in favor, Democrats opposed the move, with some describing the new documentation as a 'sham' that fails to provide true guarantees against the fund's revival.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposing. This follows a resolution where Acting Attorney General Blanche provided a legally enforceable document officially terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the IRS audit settlement scope strictly to the original plaintiffs. Despite the agreement with Senators Cornyn and Tillis, Democrats have criticized the documents as a 'sham' and expressed concerns that the fund could still be revived.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following a resolution where Blanche provided a legally enforceable document to Senators Cornyn and Tillis that formally terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limits the IRS audit settlement scope to the specific plaintiffs. While all Republican members supported the advancement, committee Democrats opposed the move, with some labeling the provided assurances a 'sham' and expressing concerns that the fund could still be revived.
Todd Blanche's nomination has successfully advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee following a 12-10 vote on Tuesday, after Acting Attorney General Blanche provided Senators Cornyn and Tillis with a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. Although the committee approved the nomination along party lines, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor for final confirmation.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following a resolution where Blanche provided a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the IRS audit settlement scope to the specific plaintiffs. While the move addresses the concerns of Senators Cornyn and Tillis, Democrats have criticized the agreement as a 'sham' and expressed concern that the fund could still be revived by President Trump.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following the resolution of concerns from Senators Cornyn and Tillis through a legally enforceable document that officially terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. While Republican members voted in favor, Democratic members opposed the move, and Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following a resolution regarding the disputed fund. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis expressed satisfaction after Blanche issued a legally enforceable document that formally terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limits the IRS audit settlement scope solely to the original plaintiffs.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee approved Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general by a 12-10 party-line vote on Tuesday, following his successful negotiations with Senators Cornyn and Tillis. The breakthrough occurred after Blanche provided a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the IRS audit settlement scope strictly to the original plaintiffs. While Republican members supported the advancement, Democratic members opposed the move, and Blanche still requires 50 votes on the full Senate floor to be confirmed.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following the resolution of concerns from Senators Cornyn and Tillis regarding the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. The breakthrough occurred after Blanche provided a legally enforceable document formally terminating the fund and limiting the IRS audit settlement scope strictly to the plaintiffs. Despite this progress, the nomination still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor for final confirmation.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following a resolution to the standoff with Senators Cornyn and Tillis. This progress follows a formal order from the Department of Justice that permanently terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and provides a binding written document limiting the IRS audit settlement scope strictly to the plaintiffs. While the committee vote passed along party lines, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general after Senators Cornyn and Tillis expressed satisfaction with a legally enforceable document that permanently terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limits the IRS audit settlement scope to the original plaintiffs. While the committee vote passed along party lines with all Republicans in favor, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general after Senators Cornyn and Tillis expressed satisfaction with a legally enforceable document terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the audit settlement scope. While Republican members voted in favor, Democratic members opposed the move, and Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. The move follows a resolution to the standoff with Senators Cornyn and Tillis, who expressed satisfaction after Blanche released a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the tax audit settlement's scope to the original plaintiffs.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following a resolution of the impasse with Senators Cornyn and Tillis. This progress comes after Blanche provided a legally enforceable document formally terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the IRS audit settlement scope strictly to the original plaintiffs. While the committee approval marks a significant step, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the full Senate floor to be confirmed.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following the resolution of concerns from Senators Cornyn and Tillis through a legally binding document that formally terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limits the IRS audit settlement scope to only the plaintiffs. While the committee approval marks a significant step, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor for final confirmation.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general following his agreement with Senators Cornyn and Tillis to formally terminate the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. This resolution involved a legally enforceable document from Blanche that limits the IRS audit settlement scope strictly to the original plaintiffs and ensures the President and his family will not receive indefinite audit protection. While the committee approved the nomination, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the full Senate floor to be confirmed.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general following a resolution of the standoff with Senators Cornyn and Tillis. This agreement, facilitated by a legally enforceable document from Blanche, formally terminates the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limits the IRS audit settlement scope to the original plaintiffs. Despite this progress, the nomination still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor and faces ongoing opposition from several Republican senators, including Susan Collins, as well as Democratic members.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following negotiations that led to a formal order terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. Although the agreement successfully resolved the standoff with Senators Cornyn and Tillis by limiting the scope of the IRS audit settlement, several Republican senators, including Susan Collins, continue to oppose the nomination, and Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor for final confirmation.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, following a period of resistance from Senators Cornyn and Tillis. The impasse was defused after Blanche issued a written order officially terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the scope of the IRS audit settlement to only the specific plaintiffs involved. Despite this progress, Republican Senator Susan Collins announced her opposition to the nomination, citing concerns over DOJ independence and the president's audit protections.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general after he issued a written order officially terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting the tax audit settlement scope to the original plaintiffs. Despite this resolution, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced her opposition to the nomination, citing several concerns including the fund and Blanche's previous political stances. Additionally, while the committee vote has passed, Blanche still requires 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general after he issued a legally enforceable document terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting audit immunity to the specific plaintiffs in the IRS lawsuit. While Senators Cornyn and Tillis expressed satisfaction with the resolution, several Democrats and Senator Susan Collins criticized the deal as a sham, and President Trump suggested he might still attempt to revive the fund through legislation if the full Senate rejects the nomination.
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's written order terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting Trump’s audit immunity to the IRS lawsuit plaintiffs, Senator Thom Tillis reversed course, stating the nomination will not proceed because President Trump has publicly vowed to resurrect the fund via legislation — a move Tillis called a betrayal of prior assurances, while Cornyn reaffirmed his satisfaction with the deal and support for Blanche’s confirmation.
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's formal termination of the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and binding assurances limiting Trump’s audit immunity to the IRS lawsuit plaintiffs, Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis—both retiring—reversed their earlier satisfaction, citing President Trump’s public statements that he intends to resurrect the fund via legislation, rendering Blanche’s confirmation uncertain despite the Senate Judiciary Committee’s 12-10 approval.
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's written order terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting Trump’s audit immunity to the IRS lawsuit’s plaintiffs, President Trump has publicly vowed to revive the fund via legislation if Blanche’s confirmation fails, while Senators Cornyn and Tillis — though satisfied with the current termination — now oppose confirmation due to Trump’s stated intent to circumvent the deal, with Tillis accusing Trump of planning to 'resurrect the payout pot for punks' through a new fund or bill that most Senate Republicans would oppose.
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's written order terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting Trump’s audit immunity to the IRS lawsuit’s plaintiffs, President Trump has publicly vowed to revive the fund via legislation if Blanche is not confirmed, and Senator Thom Tillis confirmed that Trump’s renewed advocacy has caused him to withdraw support for Blanche’s nomination, stating the president intends to 'resurrect the payout pot for punks' — a reversal that now blocks confirmation despite the DOJ’s formal concessions.
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s written order terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting Trump’s audit immunity to the IRS lawsuit plaintiffs, President Trump has publicly contradicted this resolution, stating he wishes the fund 'weren't [dead]' and threatening to revive it via legislation if Blanche’s confirmation fails — a stance confirmed by Senator Thom Tillis, who now says Blanche’s confirmation is blocked due to Trump’s reversal, despite previously agreeing the fund was dead.
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s written order terminating the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and limiting Trump’s audit immunity to the lawsuit’s plaintiffs, President Trump publicly contradicted the deal, stating he wishes the fund 'weren't [dead]' and threatening to revive it via legislation if Blanche isn’t confirmed — a reversal that led Senator Thom Tillis to declare Blanche’s confirmation dead, despite previously agreeing the fund was terminated, while Senator John Cornyn reiterated his skepticism that Trump truly abandoned the fund.
