President Trump issued a warning to Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, urging them to stop delaying the confirmation of Todd Blanche as the attorney general. Trump’s ultimatum included a threat to advocate for his ‘anti-weaponization fund’ if Blanche’s confirmation is stalled.
Sens. Tillis and Cornyn have withheld their support for Blanche’s appointment until Trump explicitly abandons the ‘anti-weaponization fund.’ This fund, proposed at nearly $1.8 billion, aims to compensate those claiming political persecution. It emerged from a settlement to resolve Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS and the Treasury Department.
On Saturday, Trump stated that the fund was off the table, but he would advance the fund if Tillis and Cornyn refuse to confirm Blanche. He expressed this on Truth Social, emphasizing Blanche’s reputation and asserting his plans to push for the anti-weaponization bill.
“If Senators Cornyn and Tillis aren’t going to approve Todd Blanche, I will keep Todd as Acting A.G., and push hard to get the Anti-Weaponization Bill passed,” Trump declared.
Blanche, during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on July 15, indicated that the fund was ‘dead.’ Cornyn highlighted the need for a written agreement to alter the settlement terms. Blanche confirmed that the fund had not been initiated, and no funds had been transferred.
The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed the vote due to the opposition from Cornyn and Tillis. Nonetheless, the committee announced a vote on Blanche’s nomination would occur Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Chairman Grassley hopes for Blanche’s successful confirmation before the August recess, praising Blanche for his record in restoring law and order. The Senate is scheduled to go on summer recess at the end of next week and will resume in mid-September.