Trump considers withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination as Republican senators delay confirmation over concerns about a controversial compensation fund.
US President Donald Trump says he is considering withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after the confirmation process stalled in the Senate due to opposition from two Republican senators.
Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since April, requires unanimous Republican support on the Senate Judiciary Committee for his nomination to advance. However, Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have withheld their backing over concerns surrounding a proposed compensation fund for Trump allies.
Speaking on the impasse, Trump suggested he could temporarily withdraw Blanche’s nomination and renominate him after both senators leave office.
The controversy centers on a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation fund,” which emerged from a settlement linked to Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the disclosure of his tax returns. The fund was designed to compensate Trump allies who claim they were subjected to politically motivated prosecutions.
The proposal faced bipartisan criticism and was later abandoned by Blanche, who helped negotiate the agreement. A federal judge also blocked the fund, raising concerns that it could violate ethical standards.
Cornyn and Tillis are seeking a written assurance from Blanche that the Justice Department will not attempt to revive the compensation fund in the future. The Trump administration has yet to provide such a commitment.
Blanche met with both senators on Thursday, but it remains unclear whether the discussions resolved the disagreement. Tillis said he remains concerned that some within the administration may still intend to reinstate the fund, calling such a move unacceptable.
Trump’s suggestion that Blanche could be renominated after the senators leave office faces political uncertainty, as Democrats could regain control of the Senate following the November midterm elections, making confirmation significantly more difficult.
Under federal law, acting officials may continue serving for a limited period while confirmation proceedings remain pending, meaning Blanche could remain in the role even if the nomination process is delayed.
The nomination marks another instance of resistance to one of Trump’s appointments. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz previously withdrew from consideration for the attorney general position, while two of Trump’s nominees to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also failed to secure enough Senate support.