Trump Considers Withdrawing AG Nominee Amid GOP Pushback
WHO:
CBS News - President Trump stated that Todd Blanche will remain acting attorney general as a holdup on his nomination continues.
NPR - Trump stated, "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."
Newsweek - Todd Blanche, acting attorney general, has been a contentious pick amid questions about his handling of the Epstein files and the targeting of Trump's political foes.
NPR - Cornyn stated, "POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis."
Newsweek - President Trump stated that both John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are leaving Congress in January.
NPR - Tillis announced his retirement last year after publicly clashing with Trump over his massive tax-and-spending bill.
NPR - Cornyn lost his primary this year to a Trump-backed challenger.
NBC News - Chuck Grassley, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman
NPR - President Trump stated, "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."
CBS News Politics - President Trump, Todd Blanche, John Cornyn, Thom Tillis
NBC News - President Trump, Todd Blanche, John Cornyn, Thom Tillis
WHAT:
NBC News - Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination to be attorney general until two Republican senators who have expressed concerns about Blanche leave office in January.
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general while the nomination process is stalled.
NBC News - The settlement agreement includes a nearly $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of government "weaponization."
NBC News - Cornyn demanded written guarantees from the Justice Department about the scope of the tax immunity deal, which the DOJ has not provided.
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general while the nomination process is stalled.
NBC News - Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators who are withholding their support leave office in January.
NPR - Trump stated, "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."
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice, stating, "For some reason, I don't know whether it's the staff of the DOJ or who it is, but they simply, they know what they need to do, but they simply refuse to do it."
NBC News - Cornyn stated, "POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis."
NBC News - The planned vote on Todd Blanche's nomination was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general while the nomination process is stalled.
NBC News - Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators who are withholding their support leave office next year.
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NPR - Trump stated, "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."
NBC News - Trump bragged that both senators' "political careers have been ended by my action."
NPR - Cornyn stated, "POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis."
NBC News - Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice, stating, "For some reason, I don't know whether it's the staff of the DOJ or who it is, but they simply, they know what they need to do, but they simply refuse to do it."
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general while the nomination process is stalled.
NBC News - Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators who are withholding their support leave office in January.
Newsweek - Trump indicated he can renominate Todd Blanche later.
NPR - Trump stated, "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."
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and could renominate him later.
NBC News - Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators who are withholding their support leave office next year.
Newsweek - Trump indicated he can renominate Todd Blanche later.
NPR - Trump stated, "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."
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Trump bragged that both senators' "political careers have been ended by my action."
NPR - Cornyn stated, "POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis."
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and could renominate him later.
NBC News - Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators who are withholding their support leave office next year.
Newsweek - Trump indicated he can renominate Todd Blanche later.
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and could renominate him later.
Newsweek - Trump threatened to pull Todd Blanche's nomination as Cornyn and Tillis stalled his confirmation, saying he can renominate later.
NPR - Trump stated, "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."
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Trump stated he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and could renominate him later.
Newsweek - Trump indicated he can renominate Todd Blanche later.
NBC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, announced the planned vote on Blanche was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NPR - Trump stated, "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."
NBC News - Trump bragged that both senators' "political careers have been ended by my action."
NBC News - The planned vote on Todd Blanche's nomination was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support for his nomination.
NBC News - Trump stated that he would renominate Todd Blanche once John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are no longer in the Senate.
NPR - Trump mentioned that he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and could renominate him later.
Drudge Report - Trump says he may pull Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
Fox News - Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination until John Cornyn and Thom Tillis leave office.
NBC News - Trump stated that Todd Blanche will remain acting attorney general as a holdup on his nomination continues.
Newsweek - Trump indicated he can renominate Todd Blanche later.
WHERE:
NBC News - Capitol Hill
WHEN:
NBC News - Trump mentioned that the two Republican senators withholding support are expected to leave office in January.
WHY:
NPR - Cornyn stated, "POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis."
NBC News - Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice, stating, "For some reason, I don't know whether it's the staff of the DOJ or who it is, but they simply, they know what they need to do, but they simply refuse to do it."
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche due to concerns over a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and a sweeping immunity deal for Trump and his family regarding past tax returns.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche over an agreement the Justice Department struck to end Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche over an agreement the Justice Department struck to end Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche over an agreement the Justice Department struck to end Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche over an agreement the Justice Department struck to end Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche over an agreement the Justice Department struck to end Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NPR - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche over an agreement the Justice Department struck to end Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NPR - Cornyn and Tillis voiced their opposition to Blanche over an agreement the Justice Department struck to end Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
NBC News - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe extend beyond just their opposition.
NPR - Cornyn and Tillis have expressed opposition to Blanche due to concerns over a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and a sweeping immunity deal for Trump and his family regarding past tax returns.
NBC News - The two Republican senators, Cornyn and Tillis, have expressed concerns about advancing Todd Blanche's nomination.
HOW:
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
NBC News - Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice, stating, "For some reason, I don't know whether it's the staff of the DOJ or who it is, but they simply, they know what they need to do, but they simply refuse to do it."
NBC News - Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice, stating, "For some reason, I don't know whether it's the staff of the DOJ or who it is, but they simply, they know what they need to do, but they simply refuse to do it."
NPR - Cornyn stated, "For some reason, I don't know whether it's the staff of the DOJ or who it is, but they simply, they know what they need to do, but they simply refuse to do it."
NBC News - Trump communicated his threat to withdraw the nomination via a post on social media.
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 16:29 UTC)
President Trump announced that Todd Blanche will continue as acting attorney general due to delays in his nomination, and he indicated he might withdraw Blanche's name if necessary until two Republican senators leave office in January. The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, has postponed the planned vote on Blanche's nomination as efforts are made to gather enough support. Senator Cornyn expressed that concerns regarding the tax lawsuit settlement are not limited to him and Senator Tillis, criticizing the Department of Justice for not taking the necessary actions.
--
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 14:42 UTC)
Todd Blanche remains in his role as acting attorney general, despite ongoing controversy surrounding his handling of the Epstein files and the scrutiny from lawmakers like Cornyn and Tillis. Cornyn has expressed his concerns about the tax lawsuit settlement, which includes a nearly $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of government "weaponization," and he is demanding written guarantees from the Justice Department regarding the scope of the immunity deal for Trump and his family. In response to the stalled nomination process, Trump has threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination, sharing his thoughts through a post on social media.
--
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 13:29 UTC)
Trump announced that he will keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general while his nomination faces delays, even threatening to withdraw it until two Republican senators, Cornyn and Tillis, leave office in January. He expressed willingness to temporarily withdraw Blanche's name if the senators do not support the nomination, as the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, confirmed that the planned vote on Blanche has been postponed. Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice for not addressing concerns regarding Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, stating that the issues extend beyond just him and Tillis.
--
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 12:34 UTC)
Trump announced he would keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general while his nomination process faces delays, even threatening to withdraw Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators, Cornyn and Tillis, leave office next year. The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, has postponed the planned vote on Blanche as efforts continue to secure the necessary support for his nomination. In response to Trump's comments, Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice for their inaction regarding concerns over provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, emphasizing that their issues extend beyond just him and Tillis.
--
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 11:43 UTC)
Trump announced that he will keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general while the nomination process faces delays, and he threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators, Cornyn and Tillis, leave office in January. He indicated that he could renominate Blanche later and stated, "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." The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, has postponed the planned vote on Blanche as efforts continue to secure enough support for his nomination, which has faced opposition from Cornyn and Tillis due to concerns over a settlement related to Trump's IRS lawsuit.
--
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 07:52 UTC)
Trump announced that he plans to keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and may renominate him later, but he threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators, Cornyn and Tillis, leave office next year. In a social media post, Trump expressed that he has no objection to temporarily withdrawing Blanche's name if the senators do not support him, while Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley revealed that the vote on Blanche's nomination has been postponed as they work to secure enough backing. Cornyn and Tillis have raised concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement, which they believe go beyond their own opposition, and Cornyn stated that Trump is mistaken if he thinks their concerns are limited to just the two of them.
--
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 06:01 UTC)
Trump announced that he plans to keep Todd Blanche as acting attorney general and may renominate him in the future, although he threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination until two Republican senators, Cornyn and Tillis, leave office next year. The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, revealed that the vote on Blanche's nomination has been postponed as efforts continue to secure enough support. Cornyn and Tillis have expressed their opposition to Blanche due to concerns over a settlement related to Trump's IRS lawsuit, which they believe includes provisions that extend beyond their initial objections.
--
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 01:29 UTC)
Trump has announced that he will keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and may renominate him later, following a delay in the Senate Judiciary Committee's planned vote on Blanche's confirmation. He expressed his willingness to temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination if Senators Cornyn and Tillis do not support it, stating he can always put his name back in after they leave office. This opposition stems from concerns about a settlement related to Trump's IRS lawsuit, which includes a significant anti-weaponization fund that Cornyn and Tillis believe raises additional issues.
--
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 23:18 UTC)
Trump has announced that he will keep Todd Blanche on as acting attorney general and may consider renominating him in the future. However, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, revealed that the planned vote on Blanche's nomination has been postponed as efforts continue to gather enough support. This delay comes after Senators Cornyn and Tillis expressed their opposition to Blanche, citing concerns over provisions in Trump's IRS lawsuit settlement that they believe extend beyond their initial objections.
--
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 22:21 UTC)
President Trump announced that both John Cornyn and Thom Tillis will be leaving Congress in January, following their public disagreements with him, including Tillis's retirement announcement last year. Trump also claimed that their political careers have been ended by his actions and suggested he would temporarily withdraw Todd's name from consideration until after Cornyn and Tillis exit office. Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice for not taking the necessary actions regarding an agreement that ended Trump's IRS lawsuit over his leaked tax returns, which included a significant anti-weaponization fund.
--
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 21:21 UTC)
Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley announced that the planned vote on Todd Blanche's nomination has been postponed as efforts continue to gather enough support. President Trump indicated he would renominate Blanche once Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are no longer in the Senate, as both have raised concerns about the provisions in Trump's tax lawsuit settlement. Cornyn criticized the Department of Justice, expressing frustration that they seem to know what needs to be done but are refusing to take action.
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(UPDATED July 30, 2026 19:25 UTC)
President Trump has indicated that he is open to temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general if certain senators do not act appropriately, but he plans to keep him on as acting attorney general and may renominate him later. This comes as Senators Cornyn and Tillis have raised concerns about Blanche, particularly regarding a significant anti-weaponization fund and an immunity deal for Trump and his family related to past tax returns. Cornyn expressed frustration, stating that there seems to be a refusal from the Department of Justice staff to take the necessary actions.
--
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 17:31 UTC)
President Trump has threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general if Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis do not leave office, which they are expected to do in January. He stated that Blanche will remain the acting attorney general while the holdup on his nomination continues, and he also mentioned that he could renominate Blanche later. This announcement was made from Capitol Hill, where Trump expressed his concerns through a post on social media.