Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, appears poised to become the next US attorney general after two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, dropped their opposition to his nomination. Blanche's Senate confirmation faced delays due to concerns over a $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of politically motivated prosecution and a tax audit immunity deal with Trump. However, Blanche scrapped the fund and clarified the audit immunity would apply only to past tax years, prompting Cornyn and Tillis to support his nomination. The Senate Judiciary Committee, with a narrow Republican majority, is set to vote on Tuesday, with the full Senate expected to consider the nomination later in the week. Senate Democrats remain united in their opposition, citing concerns that Blanche has treated the Department of Justice as an extension of Trump's legal team.
Background on Blanche's Nomination
Blanche has served as acting attorney general since Trump fired Pam Bondi in April. His tenure has been marked by overseeing prosecutions of presidential adversaries and negotiating an extraordinary legal settlement between Trump and the government. The settlement, stemming from Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, proposed immunity from audits for past tax years and a $1.776 billion fund for individuals allegedly targeted unfairly by the Department of Justice. Federal judges have blocked the fund and condemned the tax settlement, which could help Trump avoid past liabilities of up to $100 million.
Political and Legal Challenges
Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are firmly against Blanche's nomination, arguing that his actions show he views the Department of Justice as an extension of Trump's legal team. Blanche has also faced criticism from victims of Jeffrey Epstein over his handling of investigative files. Additionally, Blanche's close ties to Trump and his role in what Democrats call a 'retribution' campaign against political enemies have raised concerns. Former FBI director James Comey, a vocal Trump critic, was indicted under Blanche for allegedly threatening Trump's life in an Instagram post.
Next Steps for Blanche's Nomination
With the support of Cornyn and Tillis, Blanche's nomination is expected to advance out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The full Senate, controlled by Republicans, is likely to vote on his nomination later in the week. Despite Democratic opposition, Blanche's confirmation seems probable given the Republican majority in the Senate.
