Judge Todd Blanche, nominated by President Donald Trump as U.S. Attorney General, is facing potential obstruction from within the Republican Party ahead of his formal confirmation hearing.
Speaking to the press on August 27, Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas said he is not yet ready to vote to confirm Blanche to lead the Justice Department. "I'm not prepared to vote yes," Cornyn said.
Cornyn's remarks came a day before a key vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance Blanche's nomination. Cornyn expressed concerns about Blanche's current management of the Justice Department, where he has served as acting attorney general since April.
Blanche previously served as Deputy Attorney General and, before joining President Trump's second term, was a criminal defense attorney for the Republican leader.
However, Cornyn specifically criticized a rare deal Blanche brokered in May to resolve Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The agreement would shield Trump and his family from future tax audits. It also created a "de-weaponization fund" allowing those allegedly subjected to political persecution to seek financial compensation.
Amid bipartisan criticism, Blanche withdrew the "de-weaponization fund" proposal. Critics had described the fund as a black fund benefiting the president's allies. Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled the IRS agreement illegal, accusing Blanche of "two-faced" behavior by working for both the federal government and Trump's personal interests.
During his confirmation hearing, Blanche reiterated to lawmakers that the fund had been scrapped. But Cornyn said he is still awaiting written commitments on the matter. "I haven't seen any document meeting what I've asked for," Cornyn said.
The Judiciary Committee vote is scheduled for August 28. If all Republican committee members vote in favor, Blanche's nomination will proceed to the full Senate for debate and a vote.
While Republican senators are often cautious about confronting Trump, Cornyn has become increasingly vocal in criticizing the president. Trump backed Cornyn's primary challenger in May, former Texas Attorney Ken Paxton, who won. Cornyn will leave the Senate in January after more than two decades of service.
During a press conference in the Oval Office on August 27, President Trump defended Blanche, saying "Todd Blanche is excellent." He also questioned Cornyn's motives, saying, "Maybe John Cornyn is upset that I didn't endorse him."
Critics have accused Blanche of prioritizing loyalty to Trump over all else, including using the Justice Department to prosecute the president's political enemies. Under Blanche, the Justice Department secured a second indictment against former FBI Director James Comey. Blanche denies conflicts of interest, asserting his actions are independent of the president. However, his image has been tarnished after he stumbled when asked during a mid-July hearing whether he considers Trump a "friend."
