President Donald Trump criticized Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn for opposing his choice of Todd Blanche for Attorney General. Trump suggested keeping Blanche in an interim role to help pass the Anti-Weaponization Bill.
Trump’s Reaction to Senate Opposition
Trump linked his criticism of the senators to the Anti-Weaponization Bill. This legislation aims to replace a Justice Department fund with congressional approval for victims of political bias. The fund started after Blanche made a $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS to support these victims. However, it was halted due to a lack of congressional approval.
If Senators Cornyn and Tillis don’t approve Todd Blanche, then I will keep Todd as Acting A.G. and push to pass the Anti-Weaponization Bill,Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Senators’ Stance
Sens. Cornyn and Tillis have expressed unwillingness to support Blanche’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Cornyn cited the need for good faith negotiations and mentioned wanting written assurance that the Anti-Weaponization Fund won’t revive.
Tillis, who won’t seek re-election, labeled the fund a payout pot for punks and opposed its possible revival.
Past Political Context
Cornyn lost his primary in Texas to Trump-endorsed Ken Paxton. Trump speculated that his endorsement affected Cornyn’s stance against Blanche. However, Cornyn denied this, stating it as untrue.
Trump stated the Anti-Weaponization Fund is effectively dead, but he wishes compensation for those he believes were wronged politically.
Blanche will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a vote on advancing his nomination. Further comments were sought from the White House and senators involved.
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