Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is facing opposition from Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, drawing criticism from conservatives who point out both senators previously confirmed Merrick Garland to lead the Department of Justice under President Biden.
Former President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for Blanche, calling him a "STAR" with the potential to be one of the "Greatest Attorney Generals of All Time." Trump has also threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination, stating he will "remain, in any event, as Acting" until after Cornyn and Tillis leave office in January. Trump noted that he did not endorse either senator in their recent political endeavors.
Critics have lambasted Cornyn and Tillis for their stance on Blanche, highlighting their past votes to confirm Garland. Mike Howell, president of the Oversight Project, stated, "Both Tillis and Cornyn voted to confirm Garland and then sat back idly as a weaponized DOJ/FBI destroyed lives for purely partisan reasons." He added that their opposition to Blanche is tied to efforts to curb perceived weaponization of the DOJ.
During Merrick Garland's confirmation hearings, Senator Cornyn praised Garland, stating, "Judge Garland's extensive legal experience makes him well-suited to lead the Department of Justice, and I appreciated his commitment to keep politics out of the Justice Department." Similarly, Senator Tillis remarked that Garland "has an outstanding record serving our country and has a deep understanding of the law," expressing confidence that Garland would "serve with integrity" and "respect the constitutional rights and liberties of all Americans."
However, Tillis recently cautioned Blanche against making "mistakes that the Biden administration did," referencing the alleged politicization of the DOJ under Garland. Cornyn, who lost his Republican primary race in June, and Tillis, who announced he would not seek reelection, have drawn ire for their positions.
Critics have invoked past statements from both senators. A commentary account with millions of followers shared a video of Cornyn from 2021 praising Garland's nomination to depoliticize the DOJ, questioning the Texas senator's current position. Prominent commentator Julie Kelly also highlighted Cornyn's past endorsement of Garland.
Trump publicly criticized Cornyn and Tillis via TRUTH Social, asserting that his actions had ended their political careers. "Todd Blanche is a STAR, and everyone knows it!" Trump posted. "However, John Cornyn, of Texas, and Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, both of whom I refused to Endorse, and whose political careers have been ended by my action, are refusing to vote for this Great Nominee."
Blanche was sworn in during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.