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Blanche nomination at risk of delay as Republican demands answers
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Senator John Cornyn, a key Republican swing vote, is withholding support for Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination until the Justice Department addresses concerns about President Trump’s IRS lawsuit settlement in writing.
- Cornyn’s demands focus on clarifying the tax audit immunity deal for Trump and ensuring the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” a controversial $1.776 billion compensation plan, is formally scrapped.
- The dispute threatens to delay or derail the Senate Judiciary Committee’s planned vote on Blanche’s nomination, as another Republican senator, Thom Tillis, supports Cornyn’s position.
- The Justice Department has provided a written proposal to Cornyn’s office, but Cornyn says negotiations have stalled and accuses the department of stonewalling.
- Trump dismissed concerns about Blanche’s confirmation, suggesting Cornyn’s opposition may be politically motivated after Trump endorsed Cornyn’s primary opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
