- President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, stating he will keep him as acting AG and push hard for the controversial $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund.
- During a cabinet meeting, Trump referred to the fund as 'dead' but expressed a desire to see compensation for those he believes were wronged by the justice department.
- Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are withholding support for Blanche's nomination, demanding written assurance that the Justice Department will not resurrect the fund.
- Blanche has been acting as AG since April and previously abandoned the fund after facing backlash; a federal judge later blocked it.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to consider Blanche's nomination.
- The anti-weaponization fund was proposed as part of a legal settlement between Trump and the Justice Department to resolve a lawsuit regarding the IRS's handling of his tax records.
- Opponents of the fund view it as a slush fund for political allies, while supporters argue it compensates individuals wrongfully targeted by the government.
- Tillis has publicly stated that those who attacked law enforcement during the January 6 riots should not receive compensation from the federal government.
President Donald Trump is embroiled in a Senate standoff over Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general, threatening to keep him as acting AG while reviving a controversial $1.8 billion fund aimed at compensating individuals he claims were unfairly targeted by the Obama and Biden administrations.1278
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to meet Tuesday to discuss Blanche's nomination, which has stalled due to objections from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. They demand written assurance that the Justice Department will not pursue the proposed fund, which critics label a slush fund for Trump's allies.5691013
"It will immediately be back on the table, and I will get it done," Trump stated, emphasizing his commitment to the fund despite its previous abandonment by Blanche amid backlash. The fund was initially proposed as part of a legal settlement regarding Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over alleged mishandling of his tax records.
Tillis expressed concern over the fund's potential to compensate individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, stating, "It's unfortunate that Todd Blanche, who I consider qualified for the job, will not be confirmed because of this reversal." Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his belief that many individuals were "horribly treated" and deserve compensation for their suffering.34
As the Senate prepares for a crucial vote, the outcome of Blanche's nomination remains uncertain, with Trump indicating he may bypass formal confirmation if necessary.
“Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are withholding support until Blanche puts in writing that the Justice Department won't resurrect the fund. Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley wants Blanche confirmed before the August recess, with a committee vote scheduled for Tuesday.”
The Guardian
BBC
