Blanche rescinds weaponization fund to secure Republican support for AG nomination

Attorney General Confirmation Hearing: Todd Blanche·Latest event August 3, 2026

4 hours ago

Blanche rescinds weaponization fund to secure Republican support for AG nomination

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinded a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate targets of government weaponization. This decision followed negotiations with Senator John Cornyn to remove obstacles to his confirmation. The agreement effectively ends the anti-weaponization fund that Trump previously defended. Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis had placed holds on the nomination before this deal. Blanche also provided written assurances to Republican senators regarding a deal on tax immunity for Trump and his family. Under the agreement, the Justice Department will maintain certain tax immunity grants for the president. These concessions appear to have cleared the path for the Senate to advance the nomination.

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3 days ago

Trump defends anti-weaponization fund and attacks Cornyn over Blanche nomination

Trump reaffirmed his support for a controversial 1.8 billion dollar anti-weaponization fund while pressuring the Senate to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General. He specifically targeted Senator John Cornyn for his opposition, suggesting the dispute stems from past political conflicts in Texas. Trump claimed the fund is necessary to reform the Department of Justice despite concerns from some Republican senators regarding its implementation. Cornyn continues to block the nomination of the acting Attorney General, citing the fund as a primary point of contention. Trump doubled down on the proposal and his choice of Blanche, further intensifying the standoff within the party. The administration maintains that the anti-weaponization fund is a priority for the executive branch.

Trump unloads on Cornyn, ties AG nomination fight to bitter Texas primaryTrump digs in on Blanche, defends weaponization fundTrump voices support for anti-weaponization fund

3 days ago

Trump considers delaying Todd Blanche nomination to bypass Republican opposition

Trump indicated he would withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for Attorney General. He refused to yield to policy demands from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its vote on the nomination as internal party resistance grew. Trump also suggested he is open to delaying the nomination until January to bypass current opposition. This threat comes as the White House pressures senators to support the agenda before they leave office. Critics argue the nomination process has become chaotic, demonstrating why Blanche should not lead the department. Some observers urged Senate Republicans to use the confirmation as leverage to protect the department from political influence.

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4 days ago

Senate Judiciary Committee delays vote on Todd Blanche nomination for attorney general

Chairman Chuck Grassley canceled the scheduled vote after Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis expressed opposition. The delay follows Cornyn's refusal to meet with Blanche until the Department of Justice clarifies a settlement involving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Cornyn also raised concerns regarding a controversial DOJ fund and the department's lack of transparency. Tillis previously demanded that Blanche meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein before the committee advances his nomination. Critics argue that Blanche's history as Trump's personal lawyer makes him unfit to lead the Department of Justice. The nomination remains stalled as Blanche attempts to lobby Cornyn and address the outstanding tax immunity questions.

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Jul 16

Tillis demands Blanche meet with Epstein victims before Senate confirmation vote

Senator Thom Tillis will withhold his vote for attorney general nominee Todd Blanche until Blanche meets with Jeffrey Epstein's survivors. Tillis said the nominee needs to meet with victims to address concerns about the handling of the Epstein case. The demand followed testimony from Jennifer Bos, who spoke about her daughter's death during the hearing. Blanche also faced scrutiny over his professional relationship with Trump and his commitment to departmental independence. Some critics claimed Blanche is acting as a personal attorney rather than an official for the people. The hearing raised questions about whether the Department of Justice can remain independent under his leadership.

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