Confirmation of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Faces Setback
The potential confirmation of Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General unraveled unexpectedly on Wednesday, just a day before a critical Senate vote.
This situation is just the latest in the turbulent journey since Blanche was nominated to take over for former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The issues largely revolve around his relationship with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and two key Senate Republicans who hold significant sway over his confirmation.
Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) are pressing the Justice Department for clear, written proposals to modify a settlement agreement previously established between the IRS and President Donald Trump along with his family.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed hope that a resolution could still be reached. He was looking ahead to a key floor vote next week that could lead to Blanche’s confirmation.
“Right now, it seems like the main issue is between the White House and Sens. Cornyn and Tillis,” Thune remarked. “And yeah, I think that’s it. I’m hopeful they’ll find a way to resolve it so we can keep moving forward.”
The DOJ had a deadline of 4 p.m. Wednesday to respond to the lawmakers’ requests, but the confirmation process grew increasingly complicated.
Given that it was uncertain whether Cornyn or Tillis would support Blanche, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) decided to postpone the confirmation hearing.
Both senators are primarily focused on the now-defunct $2 billion fund aimed at preventing the weaponization of federal resources and issues surrounding Trump’s audit immunity. Concerns have been raised about the fund potentially benefiting individuals linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
The intricacies of Trump’s audit waiver also remain unclear. Earlier this year, Blanche indicated that the IRS would not conduct audits on Trump, his family, or their associates as part of the agreement.
Cornyn has been particularly adamant in his demands. Recently, he’s taken advantage of the situation to negotiate concessions from the Trump administration.
He has been vocal about needing the termination of audit provisions in settlement agreements. Cornyn, who will retire from the Senate at the end of this year, had a meeting scheduled with Blanche on Wednesday morning, which, unfortunately, was canceled.
Despite the busy day, Blanche continued his Senate rounds, wrapping up with Republican Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso. He chose not to comment as he left the Capitol.
“We expected some written proposals to amend the disclaimer related to the tax dispute with President Trump,” Cornyn stated. “We need to align the actual documents with what Todd Blanche testified under oath regarding the president. Two meetings were set but got called off due to a lack of written documentation.”
When discussing the holdup in Blanche’s confirmation, President Trump expressed confidence in managing the situation, noting he had heard that the appointment was “progressing very well.”
Trump praised Blanche, calling him an exceptional candidate and mentioned that any issues might stem from past disagreements with Cornyn. “You won’t find a better person,” he stated, adding, “I’m not sure what the conflict is, but I haven’t heard of any issues.”
Tillis, on his part, voiced disagreement with both the Justice Department and Blanche. “They’re making strides, but there’s still work to do,” he indicated, highlighting potential complications in the settlement process, such as the possibility that the actual documents were signed by lawyers rather than Trump himself.
“There’s a process to follow,” he noted. “If we can work through the needed changes, I’m on board.”
