Senators Threaten to Block Todd Blanche Attorney General Nomination

The confirmation of Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General is in jeopardy as Republican senators demand written assurances that the Department of Justice will rescind a controversial settlement with President Donald Trump. The agreement prohibits the prosecution of Trump and his eldest sons for potential tax crimes and established a $1.8 billion fund for victims of government weaponization.

Senator John Cornyn has reaffirmed his threat to block the nomination, demanding written amendments to limit the Trump family's immunity and eliminate the fund. Although Blanche testified that the fund is dead and criminal protections are limited to the president, two sons, and the Trump Organization, Cornyn maintains that he will not vote for confirmation without a formal written modification. Senator Thom Tillis has joined Cornyn in demanding these written assurances before committing to a vote.

The Justice Department claims it provided a written proposal to Cornyn's staff, but Cornyn disputes that any received document is responsive to his requests. Due to the deadlock, Cornyn cancelled a planned meeting with Blanche on Wednesday. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley set a Wednesday 4 p.m. EDT deadline to determine if the confirmation vote scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 a.m. ET will proceed.