Two Republican senators have ended their resistance against President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Department of Justice. Senators John Cornyn from Texas and Thom Tillis from North Carolina initially opposed confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to a permanent position. They sought specific commitments from the administration in return for their support.
These commitments were secured on Sunday as Blanche faced a crucial confirmation test. Previously, tensions rose between Trump and the rebels, risking Blanche’s nomination. With an agreement in place, Cornyn and Tillis now support the nomination of Blanche, who is set to replace former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon,said Cornyn and Tillis in a joint statement.
The senators had two main demands. They wanted assurance in writing that the $2 billion anti-weaponization fund would not return. Additionally, they sought a guarantee that Trump’s audit immunity would apply only to him and the defendants in his IRS lawsuit.
Blanche confirmed on Sunday the anti-weaponization fund would be permanently eliminated. He also assured narrowly tailored audit protection for Trump and his family.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a formal order addressing these points. Cornyn and Tillis said the order met their concerns and those of other Republican colleagues.
The settlement with the IRS, which Blanche helped facilitate, sparked these issues. The senators’ support is necessary to move Blanche from committee to the Senate floor. Without their backing, the nomination could stall.
In recent days, Cornyn and Tillis sparred with Trump over the nomination. Trump threatened to withdraw Blanche’s nomination if they maintained their resistance. Over the weekend, he increased pressure by threatening to revive the anti-weaponization fund if Blanche’s confirmation failed.
Tillis responded that Trump’s actions seemed intended to recreate the fund or press Congress for a controversial bill. He remarked, it’s unfortunate that Todd Blanche, who I consider qualified for the job, will not be confirmed because of this reversal. Tillis expressed hope for resolution by the coming Tuesday.
With apparent resolution, the Senate Judiciary Committee is proceeding with Blanche’s nomination vote. Chairman Chuck Grassley from Iowa scheduled the vote for Tuesday after canceling the previous hearing. Grassley’s spokesperson noted his priority is securing Blanche’s confirmation before the August recess, acknowledging his track record in upholding law and order.
A confirmation would place Blanche in a key role ensuring American security and justice.