President Donald Trump recently expressed his discontent with Senators Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, for their opposition to his nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for the permanent role. Trump suggested he might maintain Blanche in the temporary leadership position at the Justice Department and work towards ensuring the passage of the Anti-Weaponization Bill.
Trump connected the Blanche nomination struggle to the Anti-Weaponization Bill, legislation intended to create a compensation program for victims of political weaponization. This bill would replace the DOJ’s controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund. The fund emerged from a settlement Blanche reached with the IRS and the Treasury Department, establishing a $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of political persecution. Despite criticisms over the executive branch’s authority to form such a fund, the Justice Department decided not to proceed with it.
Trump criticized the GOP senators, linking the nomination issue with the bill. He stated his dissatisfaction with Cornyn and Tillis for not supporting Blanche, whom he described as highly respected. Trump mentioned keeping Blanche as Acting A.G. and pushing for the passage of the Anti-Weaponization Bill to benefit those poorly treated by previous administrations.
The senators, who faced opposition from Trump in earlier elections, have indicated their refusal to advance Blanche’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Cornyn expressed readiness to vote against the nomination, citing ongoing negotiations in good faith.
Though Blanche and Trump acknowledged the Anti-Weaponization Fund as “dead,” Cornyn and Tillis want formal written confirmation of the fund’s termination before endorsing Blanche’s confirmation. Cornyn posed questions about the fund during Blanche’s July confirmation hearing, receiving confirmation that the fund wouldn’t proceed.
Tillis also criticized the fund, labeling it a “payout pot for punks”. He voiced concerns about Trump’s possible plans to revive the fund through Congress or another means, despite Blanche’s qualifications.
Trump suggested that Cornyn’s opposition might stem from his backing of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defeated Cornyn in a recent primary election. Cornyn dismissed the notion, labeling it an incorrect excuse.
Despite this, Trump wishes the fund weren’t terminated, arguing that individuals were mistreated. He shared this desire during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, though he acknowledged the fund’s current status.
Blanche is set to face a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Tuesday regarding the advancement of his nomination.
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