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Trump Open to Delaying Blanche Nomination Until Two Senators Depart
President Trump announced Thursday that he would not oppose removing Todd Blanche from consideration for attorney general until Republican lawmakers John Cornyn and Thom Tillis complete their terms in January. The two senators’ objections have stalled the confirmation process for Blanche, who currently serves in an acting capacity.
Cornyn’s Stipulations for Confirmation
Senator Cornyn has insisted that both the Justice Department and Blanche provide written assurances regarding the “anti-weaponization fund.” Specifically, he wants confirmation that the fund will not be reinstated. Additionally, Cornyn has requested modifications to the presidential IRS settlement connected to this fund. Without reaching an agreement on these points, Cornyn stated he cannot cast a favorable vote.
“We want to make sure that it remains dead, and that the president isn’t given any immunity from future audits that the ordinary taxpayer would not enjoy,” Cornyn explained to CBS News on Thursday.
The Senate Judiciary Committee had originally planned to vote on advancing Blanche’s nomination on Thursday. However, the committee announced late Wednesday that it would postpone the hearing. Following this development, Trump indicated his willingness to wait for Cornyn and Tillis to leave their positions.
Trump’s Public Response
On Truth Social, the president expressed strong support for Blanche while acknowledging the political situation. He described Blanche as exceptional and suggested the nominee could become one of the most distinguished attorneys general in history.
“Todd Blanche is a STAR, and everyone knows it! He has the potential to go down as one of the Greatest Attorney Generals of All Time. However, John Cornyn, of Texas, and Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, both of whom I refused to Endorse, and whose political careers have been ended by my action, are refusing to vote for this Great Nominee, who will remain, in any event, as Acting.”
Trump continued by stating he would not object to temporarily withdrawing Blanche’s name if the senators fail to act appropriately, with plans to reinstate the nomination once they are no longer in office.
Developments and Concerns
On Thursday, Cornyn revealed that the Justice Department presented an updated proposal on Wednesday evening, which he responded to with a counter offer. Despite this progress, Cornyn noted resistance from senior White House officials. He emphasized that Blanche should reaffirm his testimony characterizing the anti-weaponization fund as “dead,” though Cornyn claimed Blanche hesitates to formalize this commitment in writing.
Tillis expressed greater confidence that a resolution might be reached but suggested that an advisor at the White House is providing poor counsel to the president.
“The only reason why we wouldn’t move forward with this language is because that same adviser wants to bring it back to life at some point,” Tillis remarked.
Cornyn clarified that he and Tillis are not alone in their reservations about the nomination. He posted on X that the president incorrectly assumes only these two senators have issues with provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement.
GOP Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, another Republican departing office, commented that Blanche is unable to provide the specific commitments that Cornyn and Tillis require. When CBS News inquired whether Cassidy would back Blanche if a vote occurred immediately, he declined to commit, noting he was still collecting information.
Looking Ahead
If Trump chooses to withdraw and postpone Blanche’s nomination, the composition of the Senate following the midterm elections remains uncertain. Cornyn characterized the president’s strategy as a “gable,” questioning who will represent Texas and North Carolina in the future.
“So I think, and you know, after the midterms, who knows who’s going to be the next United States senator from North Carolina or Texas?” Cornyn said.
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