Blanche’s attorney-general nomination stalls over Trump’s IRS lawsuit - US politics live

Key Points:

• Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney-general has been delayed as Senate Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demand written assurances regarding the settlement of Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, particularly concerning the scope of tax immunity and the termination of the ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund.’
• Cornyn insists the administration clarify that the settlement only applies to existing audits and does not shield Trump from future tax examinations, accusing the Justice Department of “stonewalling” efforts to resolve the issue.
• The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a planned vote on Blanche’s nomination as it seeks to secure enough support, with committee leadership emphasizing Blanche’s qualifications despite ongoing concerns.
• In other political news, former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa Democrat Josh Turek’s Senate campaign in a new ad highlighting Turek’s Paralympic basketball achievements, while the Senate unanimously opposed any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.
• Additionally, Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her marriage to Brian Glenn, and allegations surfaced claiming illegal surveillance of former FBI director James Comey by Secret Service agents amid controversial investigations involving Trump.