Todd Blanche Confirmation Hearing for Attorney General
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces a contentious Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on July 14-15, 2026, to become President Trump’s fourth confirmed attorney general. The hearing covers controversies including the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, immigration crackdown, criminal cases against Trump critics, and a $1.8 billion settlement fund. The nomination hinges on undecided Republicans Sens. Cornyn and Tillis, with a partisan 11-10 split after Sen. Graham’s death. Advocacy groups and Epstein victims oppose Blanche.
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Senate Panel Vote on Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination Delayed Amid GOP Opposition
A planned Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general has been postponed, potentially endangering his candidacy. The delay follows opposition from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis over Blanche's role in a controversial settlement in President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Committee Chair Chuck Grassley stated that work continues to secure sufficient support, as Cornyn and Tillis demand written assurances from the DOJ regarding the settlement and a $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization fund.' Trump dismissed the concerns, suggesting Cornyn's opposition stems from Trump's endorsement of his primary opponent. The DOJ said it intends to work productively with senators to address concerns.
DOJ Nominee Todd Blanche Faces Confirmation Hurdle Over Settlement Commitments
Todd Blanche, acting U.S. Attorney General and former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, faces a potential delay in his permanent confirmation. Senator John Cornyn, a key undecided vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, is demanding written guarantees from the DOJ. Cornyn wants the agency to formally nullify a nearly $1.8 billion settlement agreement with Trump that would compensate victims of alleged DOJ weaponization, amid concerns it could fund Jan. 6 rioters. He also seeks written modifications to an audit immunity shield extended to Trump and his associates. Cornyn, who lost his Republican primary in May, has leverage as the committee is evenly split. A scheduled committee vote may be pulled if his demands are not met by a deadline. Blanche has not commented, while Trump expressed confidence the confirmation would proceed routinely.
Trump Dismisses Concerns Over Cornyn's Hold on Blanche Nomination
President Trump downplayed concerns that Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) might delay the Senate confirmation of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Speaking on Wednesday, Trump stated he had not heard of any problem and believed the nomination process was proceeding 'quite nicely.' The remarks come amid reports of potential Republican hold-ups in the Senate, but Trump expressed confidence in Blanche's progress. The article highlights the ongoing dynamics between the White House and Senate Republicans over key nominations.
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Blanche's Attorney General Nomination in Jeopardy After GOP Holdouts Cancel Meeting Over Trump Fund
Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general is in serious jeopardy after Republican Senator John Cornyn canceled a meeting with the nominee amid a standoff over President Trump's $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis are demanding written termination of the fund, which they call a slush fund for Trump's allies. Blanche has refused to provide such documentation despite testifying under oath. With all 11 Republican votes needed on the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance the nomination (assuming unanimous Democratic opposition), even one GOP 'no' vote would kill it. Cornyn stated he is 'not prepared to vote yes' and gave Blanche until 4 p.m. to respond. Tillis said there is 'no daylight' between himself and Cornyn on the issue. The standoff threatens to delay or derail the committee vote scheduled for the next day.
Todd Blanche Attorney General Nomination at Risk as Cornyn Questions Trump-IRS Settlement
The nomination of Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General is in jeopardy after Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) cancelled a second meeting with the nominee. Cornyn stated the Department of Justice has failed to satisfy his concerns about a controversial settlement in President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. The settlement reportedly shields Trump and others from IRS audits and enforcement actions related to tax returns filed before the agreement. Cornyn, whose vote is crucial for Blanche to advance from the Senate Judiciary Committee, warned the DOJ must provide written assurances clarifying the settlement's scope. The committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's nomination on Thursday, and with all Democrats expected to oppose, any Republican defection could block the nomination. Cornyn indicated Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) shares his concerns, raising the stakes for the DOJ to respond before the deadline.
Trump DOJ Refuses to Kill IRS Settlement, Threatening Todd Blanche's Attorney General Confirmation
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) stated that the Trump administration's Department of Justice refuses to formally rescind a controversial $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' and modify an IRS settlement that grants legal immunity to President Trump and his allies. This impasse threatens the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, as the Senate Judiciary Committee vote requires unanimous Republican support. Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) demand written modifications, but the DOJ has only provided verbal assurances. A federal judge has paused the fund, but without formal rescission, it could be revived. The vote may be delayed or fail, potentially stalling Blanche's nomination before the August recess.
Cornyn Cancels Meeting with Attorney General Nominee Blanche, Signals No Vote
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) announced on Wednesday that his scheduled meeting with Todd Blanche, the nominee for Attorney General, was canceled. Cornyn stated he is 'not prepared to vote yes' on advancing Blanche out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is scheduled to vote on the nomination on Thursday. The Texas Republican has been pressing for a resolution regarding a controversial Department of Justice 'anti-weaponization' fund, indicating that this issue is a key factor in his decision. The cancellation and Cornyn's stance create uncertainty about Blanche's path to confirmation, as Cornyn's vote could be pivotal in the closely divided committee.
Senators Give Acting Attorney General Blanche Deadline to Secure Confirmation Vote
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces a 4 p.m. deadline on Wednesday to address concerns from two Republican holdout senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, to unlock a key committee vote on his nomination to permanently lead the Justice Department. The dispute centers on a controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' compensation fund created as part of a settlement of President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over his tax returns. Cornyn wants written modifications clarifying the scope of the settlement's tax audit immunity, including protections from federal agencies beyond the IRS. Tillis is relying on Cornyn's technical interpretation. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote Thursday morning, but Republicans can only afford one defection if all Democrats oppose Blanche. The situation is complicated by the absence of Sen. Darline Graham due to funeral services for her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. Blanche met with at least one non-committee GOP senator, John Curtis of Utah, on Wednesday.
Two Republican Senators Threaten to Block Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination
Two outgoing Republican senators, Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, are prepared to block Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general over concerns about President Trump's $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Cornyn demands written documentation confirming the fund is dead, despite Blanche's sworn testimony to that effect. Tillis also wants changes to the IRS settlement agreement that created the fund and granted the Trump family immunity from future audits. Additionally, Tillis previously forced Blanche to meet with Jeffrey Epstein survivors, but survivors called the meeting 'demoralizing' and accused Blanche of political posturing. Blanche needs support from all 11 Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance; with Cornyn and Tillis opposing, his nomination appears doomed. The committee is scheduled to vote on Thursday.
Two Republican Senators Threaten to Block Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination
Two outgoing Republican senators, Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, are threatening to block Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. Their primary concern is the status of President Trump's $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which Blanche claimed is dead but lacks a written agreement to confirm its termination. Cornyn demands a written document matching Blanche's sworn testimony that the fund is dead and that audit immunity does not extend beyond the IRS lawsuit. Tillis also wants changes to the IRS settlement agreement that created the fund and granted Trump family immunity from future audits. Additionally, Tillis had previously threatened to block Blanche unless he met with Jeffrey Epstein survivors; Blanche did so, but survivors described the meeting as 'demoralizing' and accused him of political posturing. With all 11 Republican votes needed on the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance the nomination, the two senators' opposition effectively kills Blanche's chances. The committee is scheduled to vote on Thursday.
Senate Judiciary Committee Delays Vote on Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche
The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its vote on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department by one week, citing standard practice and absent Republican members. Chairman Chuck Grassley praised Blanche's record, while Democrats led by Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Cory Booker criticized his handling of the Epstein files release and his role in establishing a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. The committee's new member, Sen. Darline Graham, is expected to be a positive development for Blanche. Key Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, both targeted by former President Trump, have yet to declare their support. Blanche, a former Trump defense attorney, was previously confirmed as deputy attorney general in March 2025.
Senate Judiciary Committee Delays Vote on Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche
The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its vote on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to become the nation's top law enforcement officer by one week, citing standard committee practice and the absence of several Republican members. Chairman Chuck Grassley praised Blanche's leadership at the Justice Department, while Democrats led by Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Cory Booker criticized Blanche's handling of the Epstein files release and his role in establishing a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. The committee also welcomed new Republican Sen. Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, which shifts the partisan split to 12-10 in favor of Republicans. Key Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, both facing political pressure from former President Trump, have yet to publicly commit to supporting Blanche. The nomination requires a majority vote to advance to the full Senate.
Senate Judiciary Committee Delays Vote on Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche
The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its vote on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department, pushing it back one week due to absent Republican members. Chairman Chuck Grassley praised Blanche's record, while Democrats led by Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Cory Booker criticized his handling of the Epstein files release and his role in establishing a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. The committee's new member, Sen. Darline Graham, is expected to be a positive development for Blanche. Key Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, both targeted by former President Trump, have not yet committed their support. Blanche, a former Trump defense lawyer, was previously confirmed as deputy attorney general in March 2025.
Two GOP senators undecided on Todd Blanche as attorney general, potentially imperiling nomination
Two Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, remain undecided on confirming Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general, threatening President Donald Trump's nominee. Cornyn cited concerns about a canceled $1.8 billion DOJ 'Anti-Weaponization' fund, while Tillis demanded Blanche meet with victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before committing support. If either senator votes against forwarding the nomination, along with all Democrats, the nomination could stall in committee and prevent a full Senate vote. Blanche, currently acting attorney general, has served since April after Trump fired Pam Bondi. The fund was created as part of a settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS.
Tillis Conditions Vote on Blanche Meeting Epstein Survivors
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) stated on Thursday that he will not vote to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for U.S. Attorney General unless Blanche meets with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein who have contacted the Justice Department. Tillis expressed a 'positive predisposition' toward Blanche, who currently serves as acting attorney general and underwent several hours of questioning on Wednesday. The condition highlights ongoing political sensitivity surrounding the Epstein case and its victims, as well as the confirmation process for the top Justice Department official.
GOP Senator Tillis Won't Back Todd Blanche as Attorney General Unless He Meets Epstein Victims
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina stated on July 16, 2026, that he will not vote to advance Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee unless Blanche meets with victims of Jeffrey Epstein. This condition comes after Blanche testified during his confirmation hearing that he was willing to meet with victims 'today,' but victim Dani Bensky testified that the Justice Department has ignored survivors for eight months. Tillis's vote is critical because Republicans hold only a one-seat majority on the committee following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator John Cornyn also remains undecided, citing concerns about the DOJ's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. The committee is expected to vote on Blanche's confirmation in two weeks.
Todd Blanche grilled at confirmation hearing over Epstein files and Trump ties
Todd Blanche, President Trump's nominee for attorney general, faced five hours of intense questioning from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers during his confirmation hearing. Democrats focused on Blanche's oversight of the Justice Department's 'sloppy redactions' in the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. Republican Senator John Cornyn raised concerns about Blanche's involvement in a now-defunct $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for Trump's allies. Blanche accidentally referred to himself as the president's lawyer, a role he held earlier in his career. Democrats are united in opposition, and even one Republican committee vote against him could sink the nomination. Several witnesses, including Epstein accuser Liz Oyer whom Blanche fired from her post as DOJ pardon attorney, are expected to testify. The Senate Judiciary Committee could vote on confirmation as early as July 30.
Todd Blanche grilled at confirmation hearing over Epstein files and Trump ties
Todd Blanche, President Trump's nominee for attorney general, faced five hours of intense questioning from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers during his confirmation hearing. Democrats focused on his oversight of the Justice Department's 'sloppy redactions' in the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, while Republican Senator John Cornyn raised concerns about Blanche's involvement in a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for Trump's allies. Blanche accidentally referred to himself as the president's lawyer, a role he held earlier in his career, which Politico noted could haunt him. Democrats are united in opposition, and even one Republican committee vote against him could sink the nomination. Several witnesses, including Epstein accuser Liz Oyer whom Blanche fired from her post as DOJ pardon attorney, are expected to testify. The Senate Judiciary Committee could vote on Blanche's confirmation as early as July 30.
Todd Blanche grilled at confirmation hearing over Epstein redactions and Trump ties
Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, faced five hours of intense questioning during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Democratic lawmakers focused on his oversight of the Justice Department's 'sloppy redactions' in the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, while Republican Senator John Cornyn raised concerns about Blanche's role in creating a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for Trump's allies. Blanche, currently acting attorney general, accidentally referred to himself as the president's lawyer, a role he held earlier in his career. Democrats are united in opposition, and even one Republican committee vote against him could sink the nomination. Several witnesses, including Epstein accuser Liz Oyer, are expected to testify about Blanche's character. The Senate Judiciary Committee could vote on his confirmation as early as July 30, with committee chair Chuck Grassley predicting confirmation before the August recess.
Will Any Republican Senators Vote Against Todd Blanche?
The article analyzes the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche, a former Trump lawyer. Democrats strongly oppose him, citing his evasive answers on Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund, the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and his refusal to meet with Epstein victims. They view him as a Trump loyalist unfit to lead the Justice Department. With the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Blanche needs every Republican vote to advance from the committee. Key Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, both leaving the Senate, showed some independence but remain undecided. Cornyn disagreed with Blanche's claim that the anti-weaponization fund is 'dead.' Democrats see potential cracks in Republican unity but are not optimistic about defections.