Trump says he 'may' pull Blanche AG nomination temporarily

Key Points:

• President Trump expressed willingness to temporarily withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general due to opposition from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis over a Justice Department settlement related to Trump's IRS lawsuit.
• Trump indicated he would keep Blanche as acting attorney general and re-nominate him after Cornyn and Tillis leave office in January, criticizing both senators for opposing the nomination and claiming responsibility for ending their political careers.
• Cornyn and Tillis oppose the Justice Department's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and a broad immunity deal for Trump and his associates from past tax audits, demanding written guarantees that the DOJ has refused to provide.
• Democrats uniformly oppose Blanche's nomination, while most Republicans support it; however, the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed the vote to allow more time to secure sufficient backing amid ongoing concerns about Blanche’s past actions and the settlement terms.
• Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, faces scrutiny over his handling of the Epstein files and allegations of politicizing justice, fueling bipartisan apprehension about his suitability to lead the Justice Department.