Todd Blanche nomination as Attorney General faces delay as John Cornyn demands written assurances from the administration
The administration announced a postponement of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance Todd Blanche as Attorney General. The delay stems from a standoff with Senator John Cornyn, who is demanding written guarantees from the Department of Justice regarding the settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Senator John Cornyn insists that the Department of Justice has yet to provide a written commitment that the settlement only protects President Trump and his family, rather than providing broad immunity for others. Additionally, Senator Thom Tillis has raised concerns regarding a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, seeking a written guarantee that it will not be revived. While Todd Blanche has stated the fund is no longer happening, the administration continues to work with the committee to reach a resolution. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has encouraged the administration to find a resolution quickly. If a deal is not reached, the nomination of Todd Blanche could stall indefinitely before the Senate breaks for its August recess.