Acting AG Blanche calls Trump's sweeping IRS immunity deal 'typical,' faces bipartisan pushback

Published Jul 16, 07:20 PM UTC

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, during his Senate confirmation hearing, described President Trump's IRS settlement as 'typical,' despite the deal including sweeping immunity from tax violations and other federal offenses for Trump, his family, and affiliated parties. The settlement, which arose from a lawsuit over leaked tax returns, not a tax dispute, permanently bars the U.S. from pursuing any claims against them for past conduct. Former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel stated he knew of no similar cases. The order extends beyond the IRS to other agencies, leading Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to question its scope. Blanche denied it covers other agencies, but Cornyn disagreed, noting the agreement's broad language. The deal has been criticized by 35 retired federal judges as collusive.