Trump’s Tactic Against GOP Holdouts for Attorney General Nomination

President Donald Trump is employing a firm approach against Republican members seeking concessions before confirming Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. On Thursday morning, Trump criticized Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina on Truth Social. Both Senators are holding up the confirmation of his lawyer as the nation’s top legal officer.

Following the delay of Blanche’s confirmation hearing, Trump threatened to withdraw the nomination until the two Senators are out of office next year. He stated, “Todd Blanche is a STAR, and everyone knows it! He has the potential to go down as one of the Greatest Attorney Generals of All Time.” Trump criticized Cornyn and Tillis for not supporting Blanche, emphasizing their past votes for Merrick Garland and others.

Despite Trump’s efforts to back other candidates against Cornyn and Tillis, Cornyn dismissed the threat, affirming ongoing negotiations. Both he and Tillis seek specific written changes to the settlement between the IRS and Trump’s family. Cornyn stated, “POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis.”

The resistance from Cornyn and Tillis led Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley to delay the confirmation hearing. Without their backing, Blanche’s nomination cannot proceed to the Senate floor. While negotiations continue, the duo has yet to achieve their goal of eliminating the nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund and amending Trump’s audit immunity in the settlement.

There is uncertainty about Blanche’s future confirmation next year, given the political landscape. Trump might retain Blanche as acting attorney general, following a precedent set by former President Joe Biden when Julie Su served as acting Labor Secretary until the end of his term.

Alex Miller reports for Fox News Digital, focusing on U.S. Senate news.