Trump Pressures Senators on Attorney General Confirmation
President Trump has given a sharp warning to Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn. He demands they stop delaying Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general. If they continue to stall, Trump pledged to revive his ‘anti-weaponization fund.’
Senators Tillis and Cornyn refuse to confirm Blanche unless Trump drops the proposed fund. This $1.8 billion fund aims to compensate individuals claiming political persecution. It was announced in May as part of settling Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department.
On Saturday morning, Trump declared the fund off the table. Yet, he threatened to keep Blanche as acting AG and intensify efforts to pass the fund if the senators remain opposed.
“If Senators Cornyn and Tillis…aren’t going to approve Todd Blanche…as United States Attorney General, then I will keep Todd as Acting A.G., and push hard to get the Anti-Weaponization Bill…PASSED,”
Trump communicated this stance via Truth Social, emphasizing Blanche’s reputation and effectiveness.
Blanche faced the Senate Judiciary Committee for a confirmation hearing on July 15, 2026. At the hearing, he reaffirmed the fund was not active. Cornyn pointed out the necessity of written agreements for any fund changes, questioning Blanche on this point.
Blanche clarified, “No, the settlement fund is just not moving forward. It never started. No money went from the Treasury to any other account.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed the vote on Blanche’s confirmation due to Tillis and Cornyn. However, they announced the vote will occur on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Chairman Grassley expressed a desire for Blanche’s successful nomination, citing his record in restoring law and order.
The Senate is set to begin its summer recess at the end of the next week and will reconvene in mid-September.