Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are threatening to block the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. The dispute centers on a deal Blanche negotiated to settle President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
The two Republican senators accuse Blanche of refusing to put his promises in writing. They want written assurance that he will kill key aspects of the settlement agreement. The IRS deal has raised concerns about political interference and legal precedent.
Blanche previously represented President Trump in the case against the agency. That lawsuit challenged the IRS’s tax return disclosure practices. The settlement terms remain largely confidential.
Cornyn and Tillis are now leveraging their influence over the confirmation process. They have indicated they will withhold support unless Blanche provides a formal commitment. Their stance could derail the nomination in a narrowly divided Senate.
The attorney general nominee has defended the settlement as legally sound. He argues that verbal assurances should be sufficient for the senators. Critics, however, question why he would not document his position.
The impasse highlights ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and Congress. Senators from both parties have grown wary of unwritten agreements with executive branch nominees. The outcome will set a precedent for future confirmations.
Blanche’s confirmation vote remains uncertain as negotiations continue. The White House has urged a swift resolution to avoid further delays. The Justice Department declined to comment on the senators’ demands.
