Cornyn Blocks Blanche AG Nomination Over DOJ 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund

Washington — The confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general is stalled as Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas demands a written agreement to permanently kill the Justice Department's controversial 'anti-weaponization fund.' The Senate Judiciary Committee had been set to vote on advancing Blanche's nomination, but Cornyn, a key vote on the panel, told reporters, 'I'm not prepared to vote yes' without such an agreement.

Late Wednesday, the committee announced it had delayed a Thursday morning hearing to consider Blanche's nomination. A committee spokesperson said the hearing was 'postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support in committee to favorably report Attorney General-nominee Todd Blanche, who is highly qualified for the job.'

In a statement Wednesday night, a Justice Department spokesperson told CBS News that it 'has been in regular communication with Committee members for weeks, and we look forward to continuing to work productively with Senators to address any concerns.'

What is the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and Why Does It Matter?

The nearly $1.8 billion fund was created to pay people who claim they were politically persecuted, part of a settlement resolving President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department. The fund also granted tax audit immunity to the president and his family for prior tax returns. Critics from both parties have fiercely opposed it since its unveiling in May, leading the Justice Department to back away from it.

At his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Blanche reiterated that the fund was 'dead.' But Cornyn noted that the settlement states any changes must be agreed upon in writing by all parties involved. 'Has there been a written agreement of the parties to modify the settlement fund?' he asked. Blanche responded, 'No, the settlement fund is just not moving forward. There's no modification. It never started. No money went from the Treasury to any other account.'

Cornyn's Demands and the Stalled Vote

Cornyn has also demanded modifications to restrict the scope of the Justice Department agreement with President Trump that granted tax audit immunity. 'All I want them to do is to confirm what he said in his sworn testimony before the Judiciary Committee, with regard not only to the weaponization fund, but also who is protected from future audits and what agencies of the federal government are bound by the release,' Cornyn said Wednesday afternoon. 'It's pretty simple, and we've actually sent them a redline strikeout.'

Earlier in the day, Cornyn said he hadn't seen 'a single piece of writing that is responsive to what I've requested.' A Justice Department official said the department provided a 'written proposal' to Cornyn's staff Tuesday. 'We look forward to further discussion around any outstanding concerns,' the official said. But Cornyn said the proposal was 'not responsive' to some of his concerns. The Justice Department later transmitted a new response to Cornyn and Tillis that 'addresses their concerns,' a source familiar with the matter said.

Iowa Connection: Grassley in the Middle

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, met with Cornyn and GOP Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina hours before Thursday's vote was canceled. Tillis, who shares Cornyn's concerns, appeared more hopeful about a resolution. Grassley's role as chairman puts him at the center of this nomination battle, with Iowa voters watching closely as the state's senior senator navigates the confirmation process.

Trump Weighs In on Cornyn's Opposition

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump suggested Cornyn's opposition stemmed from his endorsement of his primary opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton defeated Cornyn in the May primary. 'Maybe John Cornyn is upset with me because I didn't endorse him,' Trump said. In response, Cornyn said: 'That's a convenient excuse, and it happens to be untrue.'

What Happens Next?

Opposition from Cornyn could sink Blanche's nomination, who currently serves as acting attorney general. The committee's delay signals ongoing negotiations, but without a written agreement on the fund, Blanche's path to confirmation remains uncertain. For Iowa conservatives, this standoff highlights the importance of accountability in government institutions and the need to end what many see as the weaponization of federal agencies.