Senate Republicans advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination to become the next U.S. attorney general on Tuesday, overcoming a brief holdup caused by two departing Republican senators who had previously raised concerns about the Trump administration’s proposed “anti-weaponization” fund. The decision came after a contentious process that saw the two senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, ultimately agree to support Blanche’s nomination following assurances that the controversial fund would remain permanently terminated. Blanche, who served on Trump’s legal defense team during the former president’s hush money trial, was confirmed as deputy attorney general last year. His nomination for the top law enforcement post followed Trump’s decision to replace former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, citing frustration with her perceived lack of aggressiveness in prosecuting political opponents. Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general required passage by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which faced delays due to the holdout by Cornyn and Tillis. The holdup centered on the “anti-weaponization” fund, a program Trump sought to establish as part of a $1.776 billion settlement with the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. The fund aimed to provide taxpayer-funded payments to individuals claiming the Justice Department had been “weaponized” against them, raising concerns that it could be used to compensate Jan. 6 rioters, some of whom had been pardoned by Trump. Cornyn and Tillis, both of whom are stepping down from the Senate in January, demanded written assurance that the fund would not be revived. Blanche reportedly reached an agreement to amend the settlement, which Cornyn and Tillis later stated satisfied their concerns. Despite the resolution, the issue remained highly politicized. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, argued that the agreement lacked legal enforceability and that the administration could still create a similar fund under different terminology. Meanwhile, Trump himself has continued to defend the fund, stating he would revive it if Blanche’s nomination were blocked. During a recent appearance on CNN’s OutFront, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) warned that Trump could launch a new version of the fund immediately after the midterm elections, arguing that Republican senators, now in the minority, would be unable to prevent it. The Senate moved swiftly once the holdup was resolved. On Tuesday, the chamber adjourned for a five-week recess after passing a continuing resolution to fund the government until December 11 and confirming Blanche’s nomination. The vote to confirm Blanche occurred along party lines, with 50 Republicans voting in favor and three Republicans, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, joining all Democrats in opposing the nomination. Collins and Murkowski cited concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department under Blanche’s leadership, noting that his tenure as deputy attorney general had further eroded its independence. The Senate also took steps to address other pressing issues. A prolonged battle over a provision related to hemp-derived products was abandoned after a failed attempt to remove it from the funding bill. Additionally, efforts to pass a budget resolution and the SAVE America Act, which would impose voter ID requirements, were postponed until after the August recess. These decisions reflect broader tensions within the Republican Party, as some members seek to prioritize legislative action while others remain focused on upcoming elections. As the Senate prepares for its extended break, attention shifts to the outcomes of key races in Michigan and Missouri, where voters will determine the future direction of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Trump continues his campaign tour, aiming to bolster his base ahead of the midterms. The fate of the “anti-weaponization” fund, and any potential successor, remains uncertain, with ongoing scrutiny from both sides of the aisle.
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