Uncertainty shrouds Blanche’s nomination to be Trump’s next attorney general as key Republicans postpone vote – live

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche faces a potential Republican roadblock to his formal confirmation as Attorney General. Senator John Cornyn expressed skepticism about confirming Blanche, citing concerns over his stewardship of the Department of Justice and a controversial settlement Blanche brokered for former President Trump. This settlement, which shielded Trump from future IRS audits and created an "anti-weaponisation fund," was later ruled illegal by a federal judge. Cornyn is awaiting written guarantees from Blanche regarding the fund's status before a key committee vote. Trump defended Blanche, suggesting Cornyn's opposition might stem from a past endorsement dispute. Critics have questioned Blanche's loyalty to Trump, while Blanche denies any conflict of interest.

Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general faces potential delay as Republican Senator John Cornyn is withholding his support. Cornyn, a key swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has called off a meeting with Blanche and stated that the Justice Department has not adequately addressed his written concerns regarding the settlement of President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. The settlement includes an audit immunity agreement for Trump and his family, and a now-scrapped plan for an "Anti-Weaponization Fund." Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis are seeking further written assurances that the fund is definitively dead and clarification on the scope of the audit immunity deal. A committee vote to advance Blanche's nomination is scheduled for Thursday, but could be postponed without Cornyn's backing.

Todd Blanche's nomination for US Attorney General is in jeopardy as a key Republican senator, John Cornyn, has stated he will not support it without written confirmation that a $1.8 billion slush fund is defunct. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's nomination on Thursday. Blanche, currently acting US Attorney General and former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, requires unanimous Republican support on the committee. Cornyn also seeks clarification on a tax audit immunity provision for Trump, his family, and businesses. The settlement agreement, resolving a lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS, created the fund and granted immunity, drawing bipartisan criticism. Blanche previously announced the fund's cancellation but has not provided written assurances, and acknowledged the settlement could still be enforced.