- Trump defends a $1.8bn slush fund that is currently holding up Todd Blanche's confirmation as attorney general.
- Democrats and government watchdogs have labeled the fund a slush fund, expressing concerns it could potentially pay out to defendants involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
- Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have demanded written assurances that the fund will never be activated; however, Blanche did not provide these assurances, leading to a postponement of the committee's vote.
- Trump stated that supporters deserved compensation for their treatment and mentioned he gave up substantial payments for himself.
- Trump claimed that Cornyn had no issues with the fund until he endorsed Cornyn's primary opponent, Ken Paxton, who defeated Cornyn by approximately 28 points.
- Todd Blanche, previously Trump's personal defense lawyer, is reported to have privately admitted to Dick Durbin that the fund was a mistake.
- Tillis noted that Trump made it clear the fund was still active, while John Thune indicated the nomination could return once Cornyn and Tillis were satisfied; Trump mentioned he might temporarily withdraw Blanche's name.
Donald Trump is facing significant challenges regarding Todd Blanche's nomination for U.S. attorney general, primarily due to a controversial $1.8 billion slush fund linked to a lawsuit against the IRS. The fund, which Trump defends as necessary compensation, has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans.1910
The fund was proposed to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump against the IRS over leaked tax returns, but critics label it a slush fund that could potentially benefit individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have expressed concerns, demanding written assurances that the fund will not be activated before they support Blanche's confirmation.
Despite Blanche's claims that the fund is no longer viable, the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed the vote on his nomination due to these unresolved issues. Trump has suggested he might withdraw Blanche's nomination temporarily, indicating a willingness to resubmit it later once Cornyn and Tillis are out of office, while keeping Blanche in an acting capacity.
“I felt that they should be given compensation for what has been done to them,” Trump stated, defending the fund's purpose. However, Blanche reportedly admitted to Senator Dick Durbin that the fund was a mistake, complicating his path to confirmation.56
Senate Majority Leader John Thune anticipates a vote on Blanche's nomination once the concerns of Cornyn and Tillis are addressed.111213
“Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanded written assurance the fund would never be activated, postponing the committee vote; Trump says he may resubmit Blanche once they are 'out of office', keeping him as acting AG.”
The Guardian
