WH Lobbies Tillis, Cornyn for Blanche Confirmation Amid Settlement Dispute
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to secure the confirmation of attorney general nominee Todd Blanche, as two key Republican senators withhold support over concerns tied to a controversial Justice Department settlement. The dispute centers on provisions that critics argue could create a political slush fund benefiting Trump allies.
What is blocking Blanche's confirmation?
Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas have raised objections to a settlement Blanche negotiated while serving as deputy attorney general. The agreement included provisions shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits and proposed a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. Critics say the fund could be misused to reward political allies.
With Republicans holding only a narrow majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee, a single defection could stall Blanche's nomination before it reaches the Senate floor. This gives Tillis and Cornyn unusual leverage, even though both have fallen out of favor with Trump in recent months.
What are the senators demanding?
Cornyn, who lost his Texas primary after Trump endorsed challenger Ken Paxton, made clear he intends to use his position. When asked whether Blanche would need to make concessions, Cornyn replied: Well, does he want to get confirmed or not?
Cornyn said negotiations focus on ensuring the settlement's controversial provisions cannot be revived. Those are the issues we're continuing to discuss with the administration to see whether we can get a modification of the settlement agreement, he said.
Tillis has voiced similar concerns. He said Justice Department officials have been working closely with his staff. I know my staff have been in touch almost, probably, daily, Tillis said. So they are acting. They're following up in good faith.
Can the fund be permanently eliminated?
Blanche has repeatedly insisted the anti-weaponization fund is effectively dead after bipartisan criticism. But Cornyn argued that without changes to the settlement, it could theoretically be resurrected through future litigation.
Tillis has floated narrowly tailored legislation that could permanently eliminate the fund through unanimous Senate consent. I have to be convinced that there is no way that it could actually ever be resurrected again, Tillis said. Which is exactly why I talked about the legislation that Blanche offered to help write the technical language for.
In written responses to senators, Blanche reiterated the fund is dead but declined to answer hypothetical questions about whether he would revive it if directed by Trump. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on hypothetical communications I may or may not have with the president, Blanche wrote. However, he pledged to work with senators on legislation to permanently eliminate the fund.
What about the Epstein case?
Blanche has already satisfied one demand from Tillis by meeting with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The meeting followed criticism over the Justice Department's handling of documents that inadvertently exposed victims' identities. Still, Tillis said he wants additional information about any commitments Blanche made regarding investigations into Epstein's associates.
What is the timeline for confirmation?
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, expressed optimism after hearing favorable comments over the weekend from Tillis. One person familiar with the effort said, Tillis, we think, is squared away.
Grassley declined to assess Cornyn's position. Republican leaders hope the committee will vote on Blanche's nomination July 30, allowing the full Senate to consider confirmation during the first week of August before lawmakers depart for their monthlong summer recess.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he believes committee leaders are working to keep that timetable on track. I think they're hopeful, Thune said. At this point, I'm not certain.
What does this mean for Iowa?
For Iowans, the outcome of this confirmation battle could shape the Justice Department's approach to issues like government accountability, border security, and agricultural policy enforcement. Grassley's role as committee chair gives Iowa a direct stake in the process, and his optimism suggests a resolution may be near.
As the July 30 vote approaches, Iowans should watch for updates on whether Blanche secures the support needed to advance. The controversy over the settlement fund underscores broader debates about executive power and fiscal responsibility that resonate with conservative voters across the state.