Republicans delay vote on Trump’s US attorney general pick amid concerns

Senate committee postpones vote as key Republican says he has not received information on ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund.Key Republicans have delayed a Senate committee vote on United States President Donald Trump’s pick to become attorney general.The delay of the Judiciary Committee vote, which was originally set for Thursday, represents a major stumbling block in the nomination of Todd Blanche, who is currently leading the Department of Justice (DOJ) in an acting capacity.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump halts $1.8bn ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund amid bipartisan backlashlist 2 of 3Trump nominates Todd Blanche as US attorney general, teeing up Senate fightlist 3 of 3California Governor Newsom says US Department of Justice investigating himend of listThe decision came amid concerns from two key Republicans over Blanche’s proximity to Trump and, particularly, a controversial legal settlement in the president’s lawsuit against the top federal tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Blanche had served as Trump’s personal criminal defence lawyer before being tapped for the DOJ.A spokesperson for the committee said late on Wednesday the vote would be postponed “as work continues to secure sufficient support” for Blanche.All Republicans on the committee would need to vote in favour of Blanche to bring his nomination to a full vote in the chamber.Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who are leaving Congress, have been vocal in their scepticism over Blanche.Their concerns have focused on Trump’s settlement with the IRS, following a lawsuit relating to an agency leak of Trump’s tax returns. The deal included a provision that shielded Trump and his family from future tax investigations. It also created a so-called $1.8bn “anti-weaponisation fund” under which individuals who alleged political prosecution by the federal government could seek compensation.Both Republicans and Democrats vehemently opposed the fund, which they characterised as a scheme to use taxpayer funds to reward Trump’s allies.