Republicans clear Todd Blanche for top US Justice Department role

Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, has advanced in his bid for a top Justice Department role after clearing a Senate Judiciary Committee vote. The committee approved his nomination 12-10 along party lines, with Republicans unified in support and Democrats expressing concerns about his loyalty to Trump. The vote followed delays due to Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis raising questions about Blanche's involvement in a settlement with the IRS. This settlement created a fund and limited future IRS audits for Trump and his family. Blanche has since provided documents rescinding the fund and clarifying audit protections. His nomination now proceeds to a full Senate vote.

The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. This decision followed Blanche's written confirmation that a planned $1.8 billion slush fund for Donald Trump's allies is defunct. Despite this assurance, experts suggest Trump could potentially reverse the decision. Blanche, a trusted legal aide to Trump, faced criticism from Democrats regarding his past work, including defending the controversial fund and alleged mishandling of other cases. The nomination now proceeds to the full Senate, where it is expected to encounter significant opposition from Democrats. Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had initially blocked the nomination, stated their concerns were satisfied by Blanche's written commitment.

US senators voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, as attorney general. The Senate Judiciary Committee vote, which was 12-10 in favor, followed debate over Blanche's relationship with Trump and a controversial $1.8 billion fund. Blanche confirmed in writing that this fund, created through the administration's settlement of a lawsuit brought by the president, has been scrapped. Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since Pam Bondi resigned in April. Republicans voted in favor of advancing his nomination, while Democrats opposed it.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department is expected to advance after a deal with Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. The senators had threatened to block his confirmation, demanding written assurances regarding a settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. Blanche issued an order confirming that a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies was not created and clarified that tax audit immunity in the settlement applies only to existing claims. Democrats argue Blanche's assurances are insufficient, and the deal does not prevent compensation through other established processes. Blanche, a former personal lawyer for President Trump, has faced scrutiny over his independence from the White House.

Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, will now support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general after he provided written assurance that a planned $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" for Donald Trump's allies is terminated. This fund, along with indefinite protection for Trump from future tax audits, had been a point of contention for the senators. Blanche, currently acting attorney general, is scheduled for a vote in the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. The senators stated their concerns were resolved through a legally enforceable document that clarifies the audit settlement is limited to the lawsuit's defendants. Trump had previously defended the fund and threatened to push for its reinstatement if Blanche's nomination failed.

Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have announced they will support acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination after he rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation fund." The fund, intended for allies of President Trump who claim government persecution, had faced bipartisan criticism, with concerns that it could benefit individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol assault. Cornyn and Tillis had previously blocked Blanche's advancement through the Senate Judiciary Committee, stating they would not vote to confirm him without written assurance the fund would be cancelled. Blanche's decision to scrap the fund on Sunday night led the senators to express gratitude and confirm their intention to vote for his nomination.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" through a formal order issued Sunday. This action follows weeks of negotiations with two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had been blocking Blanche's nomination to become attorney general. The fund was intended to compensate Trump's political allies. Blanche's order also clarifies that tax audit immunity for Trump and his family applies only retroactively and does not cover future tax filings. The decision comes just before a scheduled Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche's nomination. While Blanche had previously stated the fund was not moving forward, the Justice Department had not formally confirmed this in writing, leading to concerns it could be revived.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has withdrawn an order establishing a $1.8 billion "weaponization fund" and clarified tax immunity for Donald Trump and his family. This agreement, brokered with Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, aims to secure Blanche's confirmation. However, Democrats and legal experts criticize the deal as weak, arguing Trump can easily reverse these changes. The documents rescinded the order but did not alter the original settlement agreement from a Trump lawsuit. Critics contend this leaves open avenues for the fund's revival or similar payouts to January 6 defendants. Trump himself has praised the fund and expressed uncertainty about the agreement.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has rescinded a $1.8 billion fund intended for President Trump's allies as part of negotiations for his confirmation. However, a broad audit immunity plan for Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization remains in place. This plan, initially part of a settlement for Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, has been modified to apply only retroactively to claims open at the time of settlement, not future tax filings. These assurances are expected to secure Blanche's confirmation, despite bipartisan criticism of the audit deal's unusual nature and potential to erase millions in back taxes. Legal experts question the legality of the immunity, while concerns persist about the fund's potential resurrection.

Todd Blanche, representing Donald Trump, has formally withdrawn a controversial plan to create an "anti-weaponisation" fund. This fund, intended to provide IRS immunity, was met with alarm from Democrats and some Republicans who feared it could benefit individuals prosecuted for the January 6th Capitol riot. The plan also faced opposition from two Republican senators who sought written assurances from Trump that he would not revive it. A federal judge had previously blocked the fund, citing ethical concerns. Trump himself issued conflicting statements regarding the fund's future, initially calling it "dead" but later suggesting he might reinstate it if his party did not support Blanche's nomination. Blanche's withdrawal comes ahead of a scheduled Senate judiciary committee meeting that could vote on his nomination.

President Trump is defending a proposed $1.8 billion fund, which his administration suggested as part of a lawsuit settlement with the IRS over his tax returns. This fund, described by critics as a "slush fund," is delaying the Senate confirmation of Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, for US attorney general. Trump insists Blanche should be approved immediately and believes those he considers victims of government abuse should be compensated. Two Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee are demanding written assurances that the fund will not be activated before supporting Blanche's nomination, which Blanche has not yet provided. Trump has suggested he might temporarily withdraw Blanche's name if the senators remain unsatisfied.

Donald Trump has publicly criticized Republican Senator John Cornyn, accusing him of raising concerns about a $1.8 billion IRS slush fund only after Trump endorsed Cornyn's opponent in the Texas primary. Trump defended the fund, which is intended to compensate individuals alleging political weaponization and grants Trump and his businesses immunity from past tax investigations. The ongoing standoff over this fund and Trump's refusal to officially end it has stalled the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general, with Senators Cornyn and Thom Tillis withholding their support.

President Trump refused to formally limit a controversial tax immunity agreement and a $1.8 billion slush fund, jeopardizing the permanent confirmation of his nominee for Attorney General, Todd Blanche. Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, sought written assurances that the tax immunity had specific limitations, but Trump insisted on maintaining the broad deal. This stance, driven by Trump's self-interest to avoid potential audits and costs, led to the senators withholding their support for Blanche's nomination. Despite Blanche's assurances that the slush fund was defunct, Trump's refusal to finalize its termination left the possibility of future claims open. The situation highlighted Trump's unwillingness to compromise, even at the cost of a political achievement.

President Donald Trump stated he may temporarily withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for Attorney General to avoid concessions demanded by Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. Cornyn and Tillis are withholding support for Blanche's confirmation, seeking written assurances regarding a settlement in Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. This settlement reportedly includes protections for Trump's family business and potential payouts for allies. Trump indicated he would keep Blanche as acting Attorney General until Cornyn and Tillis leave office next year. The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche's nomination due to the senators' objections.

President Donald Trump has threatened to "temporarily" withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for US Attorney General due to resistance from Republican senators. Blanche, currently the acting Attorney General, needs the support of all Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, to be permanently appointed. Senator Cornyn stated he would not support Blanche's nomination without confirmation that a $1.8 billion fund for the president's allies is terminated. Trump expressed his willingness to temporarily withdraw Blanche's name if these senators do not vote for him, suggesting he would re-nominate Blanche after they are out of office.

A Senate Judiciary Committee vote on President Trump's nominee for Attorney General, Todd Blanche, has been postponed. Key Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis expressed skepticism, primarily concerning a controversial legal settlement in Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. This settlement included a provision for a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation fund" to compensate individuals alleging political prosecution by the federal government. Both Republicans and Democrats opposed this fund, viewing it as a reward for Trump's allies. The postponement occurred as the committee works to secure sufficient support for Blanche's nomination, which requires unanimous Republican backing to proceed to a full Senate vote.

The nomination of Blanche to be President Trump's next attorney general faces uncertainty as key Republicans, Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have postponed a vote. Their decision stems from a demand for further assurances regarding the settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The article also mentions broader economic concerns, including rising gas prices and mortgage rates, and an economist's statement about the cost of the Iran war to households, suggesting these issues are contributing to an affordability crisis. The author suggests President Trump could address the nation to foster unity.

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.