Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche presented before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington on July 15, 2026. His confirmation faced obstacles as the committee postponed a planned vote due to demands from Republicans for further assurances regarding the settlement of former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The committee was expected to advance Blanche’s nomination to the full Senate. However, opposition from two Republican senators introduced uncertainty into the confirmation process. A spokesperson for the committee stated the vote was delayed to secure sufficient support.
Intense negotiations took place between the Justice Department and Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, centering around the settlement protecting Trump and his family from tax audits. Key issues included Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and a proposed $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” intended to compensate those claiming injustices by the Justice Department. The fund proposal was scrapped amid bipartisan criticism, though audit immunity remains.
Cornyn and Tillis sought written assurances that the fund won’t be revived and requested clarity on the tax immunity scope. Cornyn emphasized the need to limit immunity to existing audits, not future filings.
Cornyn expressed frustration over what he called “stonewalling” by the Justice Department, asserting the responsibility lies with Blanche. Cornyn told reporters, “We’ve been trying to help them reach a conclusion and they won’t let us. It’s befuddling to me.” Blanche declined to answer questions as he departed Capitol Hill after sessions with senators.
To address the senators’ demands, the Justice Department provided new language Wednesday evening. Following the vote’s postponement, the department affirmed its commitment to work collaboratively with senators to address concerns.
Trump minimized concerns regarding Blanche’s confirmation process, praising his attorney general pick. He speculated Cornyn’s dissatisfaction might stem from Trump’s choice not to endorse him. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, endorsed by Trump, won the Republican Senate nomination, defeating Cornyn.
Questions arose about whether the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” could be revived without a written commitment from the Trump administration to discontinue it, especially since Trump supports the idea. Blanche previously resisted formal retraction requests but indicated during his confirmation hearing a willingness to assist in legislating against the fund’s creation.
The settlement from Trump’s lawsuit over leaked tax returns has drawn scrutiny in Congress and court. The presiding judge criticized Trump for self-dealing through the lawsuit and expressed concern over Blanche’s involvement due to his prior representation of Trump. Blanche rejected the judge’s insinuations regarding his conduct.