GOP Divided on Todd Blanche's AG Nomination Amid DOJ Concerns

WHO:

ABC News - Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General, formerly Trump's criminal defense attorney.

ABC News - John Cornyn, Republican Senator from Texas.

ABC News - Thom Tillis, Republican Senator from North Carolina.

Alternet - William S. Becker, climate action activist and former federal director.

WHAT:

ABC News - Todd Blanche is facing a key vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee for his nomination as U.S. Attorney General.

ABC News - The "Anti-Weaponization Fund" was announced by Trump in May, amounting to $1.776 billion.

ABC News - Trump agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS as part of the settlement related to the fund.

ABC News - Blanche signed an addendum to the IRS settlement that bars audits of tax returns filed by Trump and his family.

Alternet - Becker warned that Blanche's nomination could supercharge Trump's abuses and fraud.

WHERE:

ABC News - Senate Judiciary Committee.

WHEN:

ABC News - The key vote for Blanche's nomination is scheduled for Thursday.

ABC News - Blanche's confirmation hearing took place on July 15.

WHY:

ABC News - Cornyn and Tillis are waiting for proof that the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" is dead before voting for Blanche.

ABC News - Concerns over the IRS settlement agreement and its implications for audits are influencing the senators' decisions.

Alternet - Becker claims Blanche has aided in corruption under Trump, which he argues is unprecedented.

HOW:

ABC News - Cornyn stated that he wants a written document to confirm Blanche's sworn testimony regarding the fund and audit immunity.

Alternet - Becker criticized Blanche's actions as contributing to a "toxic and ethically challenged" environment within the DOJ.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 01:32 UTC)

Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney, is facing a crucial vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee for his nomination as U.S. Attorney General, scheduled for Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump announced the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" in May, totaling $1.776 billion, and agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS as part of a settlement that includes an addendum barring audits of tax returns filed by Trump and his family. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are seeking written confirmation of Blanche's sworn testimony regarding the fund and audit immunity before casting their votes, amid concerns that his nomination could exacerbate issues of corruption within the Department of Justice.