Senate Judiciary Committee Stalls Todd Blanche Nomination

Sen. Chuck Grassley, the committee chair, confirmed the postponement, citing a lack of necessary support. Two Republican senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, are spearheading the resistance. They demand explicit guarantees that the Justice Department will abandon a $1.8 billion fund intended for Trump’s political allies and restrict the scope of tax audit protections currently shielding the Trump family.

Cornyn voiced frustration with the Justice Department’s lack of transparency, telling CNN that he had provided a clear list of requirements that remained unaddressed. While the senators believe the "anti-weaponization fund" may be dead, they remain wary of permanent audit immunity for the president’s inner circle. The nominee, who previously served as Trump's personal counsel, has already drawn heavy criticism from the New York City Bar Association regarding his record on the Epstein files and voting rights. Common Cause has called for Blanche to withdraw, arguing his performance during the confirmation process confirms his primary loyalty lies with the president rather than the public interest.