Republican Refusing To Back Trump’s AG
President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general is facing an unexpected obstacle from within the Republican Party as a key GOP senator demands changes to a controversial legal agreement before offering his support.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Monday he will not vote in favor of Todd Blanche’s nomination unless a written revision is made to a settlement agreement involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The development puts additional pressure on Blanche ahead of a critical Senate Judiciary Committee vote scheduled for Thursday.
Cornyn Wants Changes Before Supporting Nominee
Cornyn’s opposition could have major consequences for the confirmation process.
If the Texas Republican votes against Blanche in committee and Democrats remain united, the nomination could fail to advance, creating an unexpected setback for one of President Trump’s most important Justice Department appointments.
Cornyn says his concerns are focused on language contained in a settlement negotiated by Blanche while serving as deputy attorney general.
$1.8 Billion Fund Draws Scrutiny
At the center of the dispute is a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund that was included in the agreement.
The settlement also contained provisions designed to shield President Trump and members of his family from certain IRS audits.
Supporters have argued the fund was intended to address concerns about politically motivated government actions. Critics, however, warned the proposal could eventually become a financial resource benefiting political allies if it were ever reinstated.
Although the proposal has faced bipartisan criticism, Cornyn says he wants more than verbal assurances that it will never return.
Blanche Says The Fund Is Finished
Throughout his confirmation process, Blanche has repeatedly stated that the anti-weaponization fund is effectively dead.
However, when senators asked whether he would restore the proposal if President Trump requested it in the future, Blanche declined to answer the hypothetical, saying it would not be appropriate to discuss potential private conversations with the president.
Instead, Blanche emphasized that the proposal is no longer moving forward.
Written Commitment Still Needed
Cornyn remains unconvinced.
The Texas senator wants the settlement agreement formally revised so there is no legal pathway for the fund to be revived through future litigation.
He has indicated Blanche should sign the updated agreement, although he has not publicly stated whether President Trump should also be required to do so.
Speaking with reporters, Cornyn said negotiations are continuing and several options remain under discussion.
Blanche Offers To Work With Congress
Blanche has also promised lawmakers he would support legislation permanently eliminating the anti-weaponization fund.
When asked directly whether he would work with senators to draft language ensuring the fund cannot be revived, Blanche answered yes.
Cornyn says that commitment should now be put into writing.
According to the senator, Blanche testified under oath that the proposal is dead, and he believes the final agreement should clearly reflect that promise.
Senate Vote Could Be Decisive
The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Blanche’s nomination Thursday.
With Cornyn withholding his support unless changes are made, the coming days could determine whether President Trump’s attorney general nominee advances to the full Senate or faces an unexpected delay.
The outcome will be closely watched by Republicans and Democrats alike, as it could shape the future leadership of the Justice Department and influence one of the Trump administration’s highest-profile Cabinet appointments.