Trump Threatens to Withdraw Todd Blanche Nomination Amid GOP Revolt

The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a scheduled Thursday vote on the nomination of Todd Blanche for U.S. Attorney General after a Republican-led revolt stalled the process. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are withholding support until the Department of Justice provides written guarantees to nullify a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and narrow an audit immunity shield granted to President Donald Trump following a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

While Blanche testified that the fund is dead, Cornyn and Tillis argue that a written commitment is necessary for long-term enforceability. Additional concerns were raised by Senator Susan Collins and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, who criticized Blanche's past legal handling of Epstein's case. Because Republicans hold 12 of 22 seats on the committee, Cornyn's opposition effectively deadlocks the vote.

President Donald Trump responded by suggesting the opposition stems from his refusal to endorse Cornyn and Tillis in a May primary runoff. Trump threatened to temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination, suggesting he could re-nominate him after the opposing senators leave office next year. Cornyn dismissed the president's claims as a convenient excuse for avoiding the committee's role in confirmations. Blanche remains in his role as acting Attorney General under the Vacancies Act, though the delay may push a final confirmation vote into September.