Trump Criticizes Senators Over AG Nomination and Anti-Weaponization Bill

President Donald Trump recently criticized Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn for opposing his nomination of Todd Blanche as the permanent Attorney General. Trump suggested he might keep Blanche in the acting role while pushing for the Anti-Weaponization Bill’s approval.

The bill aims to replace the DOJ-created Anti-Weaponization Fund with a Congress-sanctioned compensation program for alleged political persecution victims. The $1.8 billion fund was initially set up following a settlement involving Blanche, the IRS, and the Treasury Department. However, the Justice Department later suspended the fund, facing criticism over lacking congressional approval.

Trump expressed his dissatisfaction on Truth Social, stating, “If Senators Cornyn and Tillis, who are upset because I wouldn’t endorse them, will not support Todd Blanche, I will maintain him as Acting A.G. and strongly advocate for the Anti-Weaponization Bill.” Trump believes the bill would address grievances against past administrations, including what he perceives as unfair treatment toward himself.

The senators indicated their unwillingness to advance Blanche’s nomination without formal documentation confirming the fund’s closure. During a mid-July hearing, Blanche clarified to Cornyn that the settlement fund was not progressing.

Senator Tillis criticized the fund on social media, referring to it as a “payout pot for punks” and expressed reluctance to support Blanche’s confirmation due to the proposed changes in the compensation strategy.

In a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump surmised that Cornyn’s opposition might stem from Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton, Cornyn’s competitor in a previous primary election. Trump acknowledged Cornyn’s feelings and stated, “I probably would do the same thing.” Cornyn refuted this assumption in discussions with reporters.

While Trump regards the Anti-Weaponization Fund as dead, he expressed regret, noting, “I wish it weren’t. I think victims of abuse deserve compensation.”

Blanche’s nomination is scheduled for a Senate Judiciary Committee vote, which will determine whether it proceeds to a full Senate vote.