US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he may temporarily withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for the post of US Attorney General and keep him serving as acting attorney general for the time being.
Trump indicated that he may wait until two Republican senators who oppose Blanche's nomination leave office later this year before resubmitting his name.
Republican Opposition Delays Blanche's Confirmation
Blanche's nomination has stalled because of a growing dispute within the Republican Party over an agreement involving a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund and tax immunity for the president.
Two Republican senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have refused to support Blanche's confirmation unless the Justice Department provides written confirmation that it is no longer pursuing the controversial fund.
The proposed fund aims to compensate people who claim they were victims of political weaponisation. The agreement would also grant the president, his family and business entities broad immunity from previous tax investigations.
Senators Seek Written Assurance
Blanche has already stated publicly that the compensation fund is no longer moving forward after facing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.
However, Cornyn and Tillis continue to demand written confirmation from the Justice Department, something Blanche has not yet agreed to provide. Their opposition has prevented Blanche's nomination from advancing in the Senate.
Senate Delays Confirmation Hearing
On Wednesday, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley postponed a scheduled committee meeting that was set to consider Blanche's nomination.
A spokesperson for Grassley explained the reason behind the delay.
“Chairman Grassley works to set President Trump’s nominees up for success in committee, not failure. Senators Cornyn and Tillis want written assurances from the Department of Justice regarding the Trump-IRS settlement,” the spokesperson said.
“Tomorrow’s markup is postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support in committee to favourably report Attorney General-nominee Todd Blanche, who is highly qualified for the job," the statement furthered.
Trump Criticises Republican Senators
Trump strongly criticised Cornyn and Tillis for blocking Blanche's nomination.
He said he would continue to keep Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer, as acting attorney general. Blanche has held the position since April after Trump dismissed Pam Bondi.
Under US federal law, the deputy attorney general can continue serving as acting attorney general until the Senate confirms a permanent replacement.
Trump wrote, “John Cornyn, of Texas, and Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, both of whom I refused to endorse, and whose political careers have been ended by my action, are refusing to vote for this Great Nominee, who will remain, in any event, as Acting. “I have no objection to temporarily withdrawing Todd’s name, if they do not do the right thing, and putting him back after Cornyn and Tillis are out of office.”
Cornyn Pushes Back Against Trump's Claims
Cornyn rejected Trump's criticism and said opposition to the agreement extends beyond just two senators.
He responded, “POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to Senator Tillis and me.”
For now, Blanche's confirmation remains uncertain as Republican divisions continue to delay Senate approval.