President Donald Trump said he may keep Blanche serving as acting attorney general until Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis leave office rather than make concessions involving protections for his family business and payments to political allies.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he may temporarily withdraw acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the permanent position after two Republican senators withheld their support and sought written assurances concerning a proposed settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

Trump reaffirmed his support for Blanche, his former personal attorney, calling him “a STAR” and suggesting he could remain acting attorney general until Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina leave office next year.

“I have no objection to temporarily withdrawing Todd’s name,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “If they do not do the right thing, and putting him back after Cornyn and Tillis are out of office.”

The president’s remarks followed the Senate Judiciary Committee’s decision to postpone a vote scheduled Thursday on whether to advance Blanche’s nomination.

Cornyn and Tillis, both members of the committee, have said they will not support the nomination without additional written assurances from Blanche regarding a controversial proposed settlement in Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS.

The senators are seeking confirmation that an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” connected to the case has been brought to a final end. They have also raised concerns about provisions reportedly offering Trump and members of his family protection from future tax audits.

Trump indicated that he would rather delay Blanche’s confirmation than agree to demands that would reduce protections for his family business or restrict possible payments to allies negotiated with the Justice Department.

Blanche is currently serving as acting attorney general and could continue overseeing the Justice Department even if the White House temporarily withdraws his nomination for Senate confirmation.

Trump’s proposal would allow him to renominate Blanche after Cornyn and Tillis leave office, potentially giving the administration a clearer path through the Judiciary Committee and the full Senate.

Original article
Add as a preferred source on Google