Key facts
- Senator Thom Tillis expressed a "positive predisposition" toward the nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General.
- Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with Blanche and discussed his vision for the Justice Department.
- The North Carolina Republican cited Blanche's competence as an attorney.
- Tillis indicated that concerns about the Justice Department's independence, particularly regarding a "$1.776 billion fund," could influence his confirmation vote.
- Confirmation hearings for Blanche are scheduled for July 15 and 16.
Senator Thom Tillis has indicated a "positive predisposition" toward the confirmation of Todd Blanche, President Trump's nominee for Attorney General. Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, shared his views on CNN's "State of the Union," stating that while he finds Blanche to be a "very competent attorney," his final vote could be influenced by assurances of the Justice Department's independence.
Tillis specifically raised concerns about a since-abandoned "anti-weaponization" fund, noting that if he perceives any indication that the department will not remain independent under Blanche, it could affect his decision. He also mentioned that Blanche was instrumental in the Justice Department dropping its criminal probe into former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The North Carolina Republican recently met with Blanche and expressed appreciation for discussing his vision for the Department of Justice. The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled two confirmation hearings for Blanche on July 15 and 16.