Blanche Nomination Halted
Senate Panel Delays Todd Blanche Attorney General Vote Amid Republican Opposition
Todd Blanche's path to becoming the next attorney general hit a wall Wednesday when the Senate Judiciary Committee scrapped a planned vote on his nomination. Several key Republicans withheld their support, stalling the process before it could begin, according to Jones Borough Sun.
The holdout senators want stronger guarantees about a lawsuit settlement tied to President Donald Trump. Until they get those assurances, Blanche's confirmation remains in limbo, The Facts reported.
Trump Tax Return Lawsuit Settlement Raises Red Flags
The sticking point is a settlement from Trump's lawsuit over leaked tax returns. That settlement created what critics call an "Anti-Weaponization Fund." Some Republican senators worry the fund could be revived without a firm, written promise from the Trump administration to stop it, KTBS reported.
Sen. John Cornyn is among those demanding written commitments. The Justice Department has already provided a written proposal to address his concerns about the fund and an audit immunity agreement tied to the settlement. But for some senators, that proposal has not gone far enough, according to HNG News.
Blanche Resists Formal Retraction But Offers Legislative Help
Blanche has pushed back on calls for a formal retraction of the settlement terms. He told senators at his confirmation hearing that the administration would help craft legislation to block the fund's creation. That offer stems partly from his past role as Trump's personal defense attorney, CFJC Today reported.
That prior legal relationship has complicated his nomination. Critics question whether Blanche can act independently as attorney general given how closely he worked with Trump before taking the deputy attorney general post. The committee has not set a new date for a vote.
Republican Holdouts Put Full Senate Vote in Doubt
Republicans control the Senate Judiciary Committee, so losing even a small number of GOP votes can block a nomination from moving forward. The delay shows the settlement issue has real political weight, even among members of Trump's own party, according to RD News Now.
The settlement has drawn scrutiny both in Congress and in court. Senators have questioned whether taxpayer money could flow into the fund. Until leadership can lock down the votes, Blanche remains the deputy attorney general — but not yet the confirmed head of the Justice Department.
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