- Trump defended the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and stated that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche "should be immediately approved" as his permanent pick, emphasizing that the fund is central to the delay in the nomination process.
- Trump's comments came after he indicated he wouldn't object to Blanche's nomination until Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis are out of office, suggesting a political motive behind their opposition.
- Cornyn has demanded written assurances that the DOJ will not revive the program, which the Justice Department has stated was abandoned.
- Trump insisted that the fund, resulting from a settlement agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), was not for his personal benefit but for those whose lives were harmed by the Biden administration.
- While Trump did not call for a renewal of the fund, he defended its imposition and claimed that Cornyn "never had a problem" with it.
- Trump suggested that Cornyn's opposition to Blanche was personal, noting his endorsement of Ken Paxton, Cornyn's primary opponent, who won the race.
- Trump speculated that Cornyn might be upset with him for not endorsing him, a claim Cornyn denied.
- Cornyn argued that withdrawing the nominee would not resolve issues and emphasized the need for a Senate-confirmed attorney general.
Former President Donald Trump is defending a controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" while attacking Sen. John Cornyn, complicating the nomination of Todd Blanche as attorney general. Trump stated that the fund was designed to compensate those whose lives were "unfairly and illegally destroyed" by the Biden administration.2378
In a recent social media post, Trump reiterated his support for Blanche, stating he should be "immediately approved" as the permanent attorney general. He criticized Cornyn for withholding support, suggesting it was personal due to Trump's endorsement of Cornyn's primary opponent, Ken Paxton, who won the race.6
Cornyn, however, has denied that Trump's endorsement influenced his decision. He emphasized the need for written assurances regarding the fund's status, stating, "I think the DOJ needs a Senate-confirmed attorney general, and Todd Blanche is probably about as good as we’re going to get." Cornyn insists that the Justice Department has been unwilling to provide the necessary guarantees.
Trump's comments come amid a backdrop of political tension, as he suggested Cornyn's reluctance to support Blanche is linked to personal grievances. "Maybe John Cornyn’s upset with me because I didn’t endorse him," Trump remarked, highlighting the ongoing rift within the Republican Party.
As the nomination process continues, the future of Blanche's appointment remains uncertain, with both Trump and Cornyn at odds over the implications of the fund and its intended beneficiaries.
“Trump claimed Cornyn “never had a problem” with the $1.8 billion fund and suggested the opposition is personal after he endorsed Ken Paxton, who beat Cornyn in the Texas primary. Cornyn, insisting the DOJ needs a Senate-confirmed attorney general, wants Blanche’s deal terms put in writing and enforceable.”
