Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are in negotiations with the White House regarding the confirmation of Todd Blanche for Attorney General. Both senators serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where a single Republican vote against the nominee could prevent his advancement to the full Senate. The committee is scheduled to consider the nomination next week, with a goal of a final floor vote before the August recess.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns regarding a settlement agreement Blanche brokered as deputy attorney general. The agreement included provisions for a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' and audit protections for the president’s family. While Blanche has stated the fund is currently inactive, the senators are seeking a written modification or legislative solution to ensure the program cannot be revived through future litigation.
Blanche submitted over 400 pages of written responses to the committee on Monday, stating he would work with Congress on legislation to eliminate the fund but declining to comment on hypothetical future directives from the president. Senator Tillis also sought and received a meeting between Blanche and victims of Jeffrey Epstein following a previous data redaction error at the Justice Department. Senate leadership indicated they remain hopeful the nomination will clear the committee by July 30.