Senator Demands Assurances on Trump Settlement, Threatening Blanche Nomination

A vote to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general is facing potential delay due to concerns raised by Republican Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn is demanding further assurances from the Justice Department regarding the settlement of President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, specifically concerning protections from tax audits for Trump and his family.

Cornyn, a key swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, canceled a meeting with Blanche, who is currently serving as acting attorney general. The committee has scheduled a vote for Thursday, but its outcome is uncertain without Cornyn's support. Senator Thom Tillis has aligned with Cornyn's stance.

The dispute centers on the settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit. While a plan for a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" was dropped amid bipartisan criticism, the audit immunity agreement reportedly remains in place. Cornyn and Tillis are seeking explicit confirmation that the fund is defunct and clarification on the scope of the tax immunity deal, despite public assurances from Blanche.

A person familiar with the matter indicated that the Justice Department submitted a written proposal to Cornyn's office to address his concerns, though Cornyn expressed frustration with the process, stating the department "simply refuse[s] to do it."