Trump threatens to pull Todd Blanche's AG nomination over GOP senators' demands on anti-weaponization fund

On July 30, 2026, President Trump threatened to temporarily withdraw acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination for the permanent post unless Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis dropped their demands for written assurances that a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' — derived from an IRS settlement over alleged political targeting — is dead. Trump posted on Truth Social that he would keep Blanche as acting AG and renominate him after the senators leave office next year, effectively bypassing Senate confirmation indefinitely. The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche's nomination amid the standoff. Cornyn and Tillis insisted on written commitments to nullify the fund and modify tax audit immunity for Trump and his family. The standoff drew coverage from multiple outlets including The Daily Wire and The Iola Register.

“I have no objection to temporarily withdrawing Todd’s name, if they do not do the right thing, and putting him back after Cornyn and Tillis are out of office.” Quote verified against source