Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to lead the Department of Justice has been revitalized after key Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina dropped their opposition. The senators had previously held up Blanche's confirmation, seeking explicit written assurances on two specific issues related to a settlement agreement.
Cornyn and Tillis announced their renewed support after the administration agreed to permanently eliminate the nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund and narrowly tailor audit protection to President Donald Trump and his family, who were listed as defendants in a lawsuit against the IRS. In a joint statement, the senators expressed gratitude to Blanche and his staff, stating they look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
These concessions addressed concerns that multiple Republican colleagues shared, according to Cornyn and Tillis. The issues stemmed from a settlement deal reached earlier this year between Trump's family and the IRS, which Blanche helped facilitate. The senators had insisted that the anti-weaponization fund be terminated and that Trump's audit immunity not extend beyond him and the specified defendants.
The confirmation process had become contentious, with President Trump publicly defending the Anti-Weaponization Fund and criticizing Sen. Cornyn. Trump had previously threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination if the senators did not relent. He also suggested that if Blanche's confirmation faltered, he would seek to revive the anti-weaponization fund and push Congress to codify it.
Tillis had countered Trump's stance, suggesting the president intended to re-establish the fund through other means or by pressuring Congress. Despite the earlier disagreements, the resolution of these issues paves the way for Blanche's confirmation.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has rescheduled the committee vote for Tuesday after postponing a previous hearing. Grassley's office indicated that his top priority is Blanche's successful confirmation, citing his record on restoring law and order and ensuring public safety, with the goal of confirmation before the August recess. 
