Todd Blanche’s Confirmation Stalled Over DOJ, IRS Settlement Dispute

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a setback in his confirmation process on Wednesday, less than 24 hours before a critical Senate vote. The issue stems from conflicts involving Blanche, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and two Republican Senators who control the Senate Judiciary Committee’s decisions.

Sens. John Cornyn from Texas and Thom Tillis from North Carolina are insisting that the DOJ present clear, written modifications to a settlement agreement made earlier this year between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and President Donald Trump and his family.

Senate’s Response

The Senate Majority Leader, John Thune from South Dakota, aimed to have a deal finalized for Blanche’s confirmation. Thune was hopeful that negotiations between the White House and Senators Cornyn and Tillis could resolve the situation, enabling a floor vote next week for Blanche as the successor to Pam Bondi.

The DOJ was required to provide the necessary documents by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, but failed to do so. Consequently, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, Chuck Grassley from Iowa, decided to postpone Blanche’s confirmation hearing.

Main Concerns

The core issues include the now-defunct $2 billion anti-weaponization fund and the President’s audit immunity. Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized the fund due to worries about potential financial support for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 riots, as well as Trump’s audit immunity.

Todd Blanche previously announced that the settlement agreement prevents the IRS from auditing Trump, his family, and associated businesses. This aspect has been particularly controversial.

Resistance from Sens. Cornyn and Tillis

Sen. Cornyn has been the most opposed to confirmation until his requirements are met. He’s seeking to end audit provisions in the settlement as part of his negotiations with the Trump administration. Cornyn expressed frustration with canceled meetings due to the DOJ not providing the requested documents.

Trump commented on the situation, stating that he believed Blanche’s confirmation process was going well and praised Blanche’s competence. Sen. Tillis indicated no issues with the DOJ or Blanche, but acknowledged logistical challenges in obtaining the written proposals.

He explained that the number of people involved in the settlement process was larger than anticipated. Tillis emphasized the complexity of the situation, noting that the actual settlement was likely signed by Trump’s lawyer, not Trump himself.

Alex Miller, a writer for Fox News Digital, reports on the U.S. Senate.