Former President Donald Trump stated Saturday that he will keep Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General and continue to push for an anti-weaponization bill if Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis block Blanche's nomination for the permanent position. The dispute centers on the fate of a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate victims of alleged political persecution, which the Justice Department had previously stated it would not proceed with.
Trump, speaking via Truth Social, criticized Cornyn, R-Texas, and Tillis, R-N.C., for opposing Blanche's confirmation. He suggested that if the senators do not approve Blanche, whom Trump described as "one of the most respected professionals," he would maintain Blanche's acting role and prioritize the passage of the Anti-Weaponization Bill. This proposed legislation would establish a congressionally authorized compensation program, replacing the Justice Department's earlier, criticized fund.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis have indicated they will vote against advancing Blanche's nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. They have called for a formal, written agreement to permanently dissolve the fund before they would consider confirming Blanche. Cornyn questioned Blanche about the fund during his confirmation hearing in July, asking if there had been a written agreement to modify the settlement.
Tillis, in response to Trump's Saturday post, criticized the potential resurrection of the fund, calling it a "payout pot for punks." He stated that Blanche, whom Tillis considers qualified, would not be confirmed due to Trump's stance on the fund.
Trump linked the senators' opposition to his past endorsements in their respective states. He suggested that Cornyn's opposition might stem from Trump's endorsement of Cornyn's primary opponent in Texas. Cornyn, however, dismissed this suggestion as an "untrue" and "convenient excuse."
Trump also commented on the anti-weaponization fund itself, stating that while it is "dead," he wished it were not, expressing a desire to see individuals who he believes were "horribly treated" compensated for their suffering.
Blanche is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday for a vote on his nomination.