U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy expressed strong reservations about special provisions in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that applied specifically to President Donald Trump and his family. He described these protections as “totally wrong,” revealing that they nearly influenced him to vote against Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general.
Despite his concerns, Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, ultimately supported Blanche, Trump’s former defense attorney, after a thorough review. Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Cassidy admitted that the issue “almost weighed” on his decision to vote no, highlighting how close he came to rejecting the nominee. Blanche’s confirmation struggled, ending with a tight 50-49 Senate vote, with Cassidy’s vote crucial due to GOP Senator Mitch McConnell’s absence.
“I am realistic that President Trump can be unrelenting,” Cassidy noted last week, emphasizing that a Senate-confirmed attorney general would have more capability to resist pressures compared to an acting official. He anticipated criticism for his vote but assured Louisiana residents that he worked diligently to comprehend the matter to make the best decision.
Cassidy’s comments revealed the internal discussions of a GOP senator who publicly questioned a Trump-endorsed nominee before conforming. His scrutiny focused on language limiting IRS examination for Trump and his organization. “No American should be targeted by the law, but no American should be above the law,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy was seen as a potential Republican holdout, with concerns about IRS provisions clashing with the views of Democrats who deemed the changes unenforceable. Having lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, Cassidy found other factors outweighing his concerns.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins were the only two Republicans voting “no.” Blanche, previously acting attorney general after Pam Bondi’s removal, faced tumult over handling Jeffrey Epstein files.
Concessions From Blanche and Support From Prosecutors
Before his confirmation vote, Blanche aimed to tackle congressional worries by revoking an order for the anti-weaponization fund and issuing a statement to limit Trump-related IRS protections.
Cassidy’s concerns persisted regarding the tax provisions, yet he was reassured by feedback from federal prosecutors in Louisiana praising Blanche’s commitment to improved accountability and focus on major crimes. “There’s much positive to say about Todd Blanche,” Cassidy remarked.
Asked whether Blanche would fairly uphold the U.S. Constitution in overseeing elections, Cassidy replied: “I cannot predict the future, and this is not a black or white decision. But I’m confident on that.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: “Todd Blanche’s confirmation is a huge win for President Trump and our country. Todd will be a phenomenal Attorney General, serving the American people well through his commitment to law and order.”
What Was the Anti-Weaponization Fund?
A significant hurdle in Blanche’s confirmation involved the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” a proposed $1.8 billion program stemming from a lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS and Treasury Department. It was meant to compensate individuals claiming political targeting, sparking concerns it could benefit Trump supporters and participants in the January 6 Capitol event.
Both Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis threatened to block Blanche’s nomination unless the fund ended and audit protections were reduced. Responding, Blanche rescinded the fund, stating it had “no force or effect,” with no distributed funds or claims procedure established.
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