- Senate panel has advanced the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general.
- GOP Sen. Cornyn stated that there was nothing we could do to rein in the president after Trump expressed his desire for a fund that is now defunct.
- Cornyn publicly opposed Todd Blanche's confirmation as attorney general and, along with Thom Tillis, sought assurances that Blanche would not establish a massive slush fund for alleged government weaponization victims, including Jan. 6 rioters.
- Cornyn and Tillis later accepted Blanche's commitment not to establish the fund, while Trump said he still wanted it.
- Democrats in both chambers introduced legislation to stop the fund, but Republicans never supported it.
The Senate panel has advanced Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, despite significant concerns raised by GOP Senator John Cornyn regarding former President Trump's influence. Cornyn expressed, 'There's nothing we could do to rein in the president' when discussing Trump's desire for a controversial fund aimed at compensating victims of government 'weaponization.'123456
Cornyn, alongside Senator Thom Tillis, initially opposed Blanche's confirmation, seeking assurances that he would not facilitate Trump's proposed fund, which could potentially benefit individuals involved in the January 6 riots. However, both senators have since accepted Blanche's commitments, stating he has assured them he will not pursue the fund.
Despite these assurances, Cornyn remains wary, noting, 'Trump has made clear that he still wants it'. This sentiment reflects ongoing tensions within the GOP regarding Trump's influence and the implications of his policies. Democrats have attempted to counteract Trump's initiatives by introducing legislation to halt the anti-weaponization fund, but these efforts have consistently failed due to Republican opposition.7
The nomination of Todd Blanche, who is currently serving as acting attorney general, continues to highlight the complexities of navigating Trump's legacy within the Republican Party, as members grapple with balancing party loyalty and governance responsibilities.
“Blanche, who leads the Justice Department on an acting basis, assured Cornyn and fellow lame-duck Sen. Thom Tillis he would not create a 'massive slush fund' for alleged weaponization victims, including Jan. 6 rioters. Trump still wants the fund, and Democrats' legislation to block it never got Republican support.”
Rolling Stone
