Todd Blanche wins approval of key Senate committee in bid to become AG

Key Points:

• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche received a 12-10 party-line vote of support from the Senate Judiciary Committee on August 4, advancing his nomination for permanent appointment, though full Senate approval remains uncertain.
• Blanche gained backing from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis after dropping a controversial $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and clarifying limits on President Trump's tax immunity, addressing bipartisan concerns.
• Since becoming acting AG, Blanche has pursued aggressive actions aligned with Trump’s agenda, including prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey and overseeing a DOJ settlement granting Trump and his sons immunity from past tax liabilities, which has drawn widespread criticism.
• Two Republican senators initially withheld support pending further actions: Cornyn demanded formal written rescission of the anti-weaponization fund, and Tillis required Blanche to meet with Jeffrey Epstein abuse accusers; both conditions were eventually met.
• Despite controversies and ethical questions surrounding Blanche's tenure, including the DOJ’s tax settlement with Trump and prosecutions of political opponents, President Trump and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley have publicly endorsed his confirmation.