Grassley plays key role as Cornyn blocks Trump AG pick over DOJ fund
An Iowa Republican is at the center of a Washington showdown that has stalled President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general. Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is working to break a logjam over Todd Blanche's nomination as Senator John Cornyn of Texas demands written assurances to kill a controversial Justice Department fund.
Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general, was set for a committee vote Thursday. But Cornyn, a pivotal panel member, told reporters he was not prepared to vote yes without a binding agreement to formally eliminate the so-called anti-weaponization fund. The committee postponed the hearing late Wednesday as Grassley and others worked behind the scenes.
What is the anti-weaponization fund?
The nearly $1.8 billion fund was created as part of a settlement between the Trump administration and the IRS over the president's lawsuit claiming political targeting. It was designed to compensate individuals who say they were politically persecuted by federal agencies. Critics from both parties have called it a slush fund, and Blanche himself testified under oath that the fund is dead.
Cornyn wants that commitment in writing. The settlement requires any changes to be agreed upon by all parties in writing, and Cornyn says he has not seen a single piece of paper that satisfies his request. He has also demanded modifications to restrict audit protections granted to President Trump and his family under the same settlement.
Grassley's role in the negotiations
Grassley, the Iowa Republican who chairs the Judiciary Committee, met with Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina hours before Thursday's vote was canceled. The Iowa senator is known for his pragmatic approach and is working to find common ground that can move Blanche's nomination forward.
A Justice Department official confirmed the department provided a written proposal to Cornyn's staff Tuesday, but Cornyn called it not responsive to his concerns. A new response was transmitted later Wednesday that a source said addresses the outstanding issues.
Trump weighs in on the dispute
President Trump suggested Cornyn's opposition stems from political rivalry. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump noted that Cornyn lost his primary election to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom Trump endorsed. Maybe John Cornyn is upset with me because I didn't endorse him, Trump said.
Cornyn dismissed that claim as a convenient excuse and said it happens to be untrue.
What this means for Iowa and the nation
For Iowans, the delay highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over how to handle what many conservatives see as federal overreach and weaponized government agencies. The anti-weaponization fund was intended to address legitimate concerns about political targeting, but its size and scope have raised eyebrows even among Trump allies.
Grassley's involvement ensures Iowa has a seat at the table in these high-stakes negotiations. His reputation for careful, methodical work could be key to resolving the impasse and getting Blanche confirmed.
What happens next?
The committee has not yet rescheduled the vote. Cornyn and Tillis are expected to continue discussions with Grassley and the Justice Department. Blanche's nomination could advance if a written agreement is reached, but without Cornyn's support, it faces an uncertain path in the full Senate.
For now, the fate of the anti-weaponization fund and the attorney general nomination remain tied together, with Grassley playing a critical role in finding a way forward.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Senator Cornyn blocking Todd Blanche's nomination?
Cornyn wants a written agreement to formally kill the Justice Department's anti-weaponization fund, which he and other Republicans see as a potential slush fund. He also wants to restrict audit protections granted to President Trump and his family under the same settlement.
What is Senator Grassley doing to resolve this?
Grassley, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, is mediating between Cornyn, Tillis, and the Justice Department. He met with both senators hours before the scheduled vote was canceled and is working to secure a written compromise.
Could the anti-weaponization fund still be revived?
Blanche testified under oath that the fund is dead and no money has moved. But Cornyn insists on a formal, written modification to the settlement agreement, which currently requires all parties to agree in writing to any changes.
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