President Trump issued a firm warning to Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, urging them to expedite the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general. Trump threatened to revive his proposed “anti-weaponization fund” if they continue to delay.
Tillis and Cornyn have withheld their support for Blanche’s confirmation unless Trump formally commits to abandoning the fund. The fund, valued at nearly $1.8 billion, aims to compensate individuals claiming political persecution. It was introduced in May as part of a settlement regarding Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS and the Treasury Department.
Trump declared on Saturday morning that the fund was no longer under consideration. However, he stated that if the opposing senators did not vote for Blanche, he would maintain Blanche in the acting attorney general role and push for the fund’s implementation.
“If Senators Cornyn and Tillis, both upset because I wouldn’t endorse them, aren’t going to approve Todd Blanche, then I will keep Todd as Acting A.G., and push hard to get the Anti-Weaponization Bill passed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump emphasized Blanche’s competence, calling him “a voice of reason.”
At his confirmation hearing on July 15, Blanche confirmed the fund was “dead.” He reassured there was no written alteration to the settlement that requires joint agreement from all parties, as brought up by Cornyn.
“No, the settlement fund is just not moving forward,” Blanche said, clarifying its inactivity.
Despite last week’s postponement due to opposition from Cornyn and Tillis, the Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote for Tuesday at 9 a.m. According to the committee, Chairman Grassley aims for Blanche’s confirmation before the August recess due to Blanche’s record on law and order.
The Senate will enter its summer recess next week, resuming activity in mid-September.
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