Tillis Rejects Trump’s Pressure Over AG Pick

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has dismissed President Donald Trump’s threat to withdraw the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, urging the administration to keep its prior commitments. Tillis remarks followed Trump’s criticism of him and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, for blocking Blanche’s nomination. Trump indicated a willingness to withdraw Blanche’s nomination unless Tillis and Cornyn leave office next year, with Tillis retiring and Cornyn having lost his primary.

Despite Trump’s public declaration, Tillis stressed that negotiations remain ongoing. He emphasized that the administration needs to fulfill supposed commitments before resolving the nomination issue. Tillis has withheld support for Blanche, demanding the elimination of a nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund and adjustments to audit immunity language.

Tillis remarked, “The best thing is, take the win, get Blanche confirmed and get this agreement out of the way.” He added his conditions for supporting Blanche’s confirmation, “exactly what Blanche committed to.” The senator maintained that Blanche himself is not at fault, attributing issues to a presidential advisor involved in the agreement.

Tillis said, “This is not Blanche’s problem. It’s clear to me that Blanche was honest when he answered without hesitation, working with us to end this.”

He also noted uncertainty around Blanche’s potential future confirmation, highlighting political dynamics with Republicans having more vulnerable seats than Democrats. He stated, “The best case scenario is you come back with the same number of people next year, and our members are not going to be any more supportive of this than they are today.”

Trump has options under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which allows acting officials to serve for 210 days. Withdrawing Blanche’s nomination resets this period, potentially extending his role until late February.

Despite Trump’s threats, Tillis remained open to negotiation and stated he is “not a no” on Blanche. “In this place, nothing’s ever as good or as bad as it seems, so we’re continuing to negotiate,” Tillis remarked.