President Trump May Withdraw Todd Blanche Nomination to Resolve Tax Settlement Disputes
President Trump stated on Thursday that he might temporarily withdraw the nomination of Todd Blanche for the full-time Attorney General position. This move follows resistance from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who are demanding specific written assurances regarding a controversial tax audit immunity deal and a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. While the administration announced that the "anti-weaponization" fund is effectively scrapped, the two senators insist on a written commitment to ensure it is not recreated. Additionally, the senators are seeking to limit the tax immunity to existing audits rather than future filings. The administration is currently resisting these specific modifications, which has led to a standoff with the president's loyal former personal attorney. Trump said he would be willing to resubmit the nomination after Cornyn and Tillis leave office next year. He characterized the two senators as having ended their political careers due to his previous actions. Despite the threat of withdrawal, Todd Blanche remains in the position of acting attorney general, a role he can continue to perform as the deputy attorney general.