Former President Donald Trump launched a broad attack on Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, on Friday, accusing the senator of opposing the nomination of Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general. Trump contended that Cornyn’s objection stems from the Justice Department's “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”
Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that Cornyn had not previously objected to the fund, which Trump claimed would not benefit him but rather "great American Patriots" whose lives he asserted were ".
Trump's criticism of Cornyn follows a separate public dispute earlier in the week where Trump targeted Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., threatening to withdraw Blanche's nomination until both senators were out of office. Both senators have reportedly linked Blanche's confirmation to their concerns regarding an IRS settlement.
This settlement, which some have labeled a "slush fund," would provide compensation to individuals who believe they were unfairly targeted by the U.S. government. This group could potentially include participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, events in Washington. Trump, in his social media post, appeared to refer to these individuals when he wrote, "Perhaps there has never been a group of people treated so badly in our Nation’s history."
Trump further stated that he had relinquished any personal payments from the settlement, which he suggested would have been substantial and included compensation for the raid on his Mar-a-Lago property. He reiterated his belief that victims of government abuse should be compensated for their experiences.
Sen. Thom Tillis responded to Trump's remarks on X, formerly Twitter, stating that he and Cornyn have been working with Blanche to address concerns about the "Anti-Weaponization Fund." Tillis described Blanche as having been "forthright, thoughtful and patient." He attributed the confirmation delays to "an incompetent personal advisor to the President" who has allegedly refused to amend the settlement terms.