Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas has declared "no deal" on the nomination of Todd Blanche to lead the Justice Department, significantly jeopardizing his confirmation prospects. Cornyn, a key figure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated that negotiations with the Justice Department regarding a controversial IRS settlement and an "anti-weaponization fund" have stalled, despite rumors of progress.

Cornyn has been demanding written assurances from the Justice Department that the $1.8 billion fund, intended to compensate individuals and groups alleging "lawfare" from past DOJ actions, is definitively defunct. This fund, which had drawn criticism from both parties and included groups like January 6 rioters and political allies of former President Donald Trump, was previously dropped by the Trump administration after facing backlash. However, Blanche's verbal assurances that the fund is "effectively dead" have not satisfied Cornyn, who insists on a formal, written modification to prevent its potential revival.

"They’ve been kind of radio silent for the last 24 hours," Cornyn said of the Justice Department, adding that "they know what they need to do, but they just don't want to do it." He directly refuted claims of a breakthrough on social media, stating, "Fake news alert: there is no ‘deal’ on Blanche nom."

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Blanche, currently serving as acting Attorney General, faced scrutiny over the matter during his confirmation hearing. He maintained during testimony that the fund was "just not moving forward" and stated, "There's no modification. It just never started."

IMAGE2: Cornyn questions Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee

IMAGE4: Senator John Cornyn of Texas presses Blanche over the specifics of an IRS settlement and anti-weaponization fund

IMAGE3: Blanche is seen before his confirmation hearing

The confirmation vote is scheduled to take place in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, July 30, just before the Senate adjourns for recess. Republicans hold a narrow 12-10 majority on the committee, meaning a tie vote would prevent Blanche's advancement. Cornyn is reportedly the only Republican on the panel withholding support. The potential postponement of the vote, or failure to advance Blanche's nomination out of committee, could indefinitely stall his confirmation process.