Trump considers pulling Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination as senators hold out

July 31, 2026

President Trump is contemplating withdrawing Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general after it stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where two Republican senators are blocking confirmation. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are withholding their support until Blanche commits in writing that the Justice Department won't revive a controversial $1. 8 billion compensation fund for Trump allies who claim they faced politically motivated prosecutions.

Who is affected

Todd Blanche (acting attorney general whose confirmation is stalled)
President Donald Trump
Republican Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (North Carolina)
Trump allies who would have received compensation from the proposed fund
Senate Judiciary Committee members
Democrat candidates Roy Cooper (North Carolina) and James Talarico (Texas)
Republican candidate Ken Paxton (Texas Attorney General)

What action is being taken

Trump is considering withdrawing Todd Blanche's nomination
Senators Cornyn and Tillis are withholding their support for Blanche's confirmation
Blanche is currently serving as acting attorney general
Blanche met with the two senators on Thursday

Why it matters

This situation matters because the attorney general position is the nation's top law enforcement role, and the stalemate reveals deep divisions even within the Republican party over accountability and ethical concerns. The controversy centers on whether the Justice Department might resurrect a fund that critics from both parties view as potentially corrupt compensation for Trump allies, raising questions about the independence of federal law enforcement. Additionally, the confirmation battle could have significant implications depending on the outcome of November's midterm elections, potentially affecting whether Blanche ever receives formal confirmation or continues serving only in an acting capacity.

What's next

Trump may temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis leave office in January
November midterm elections will determine Senate majority control
Blanche could theoretically continue serving as acting attorney general even if Democrats win the Senate majority
The outcome of Senate races in North Carolina (Roy Cooper vs. Republican candidate) and Texas (Ken Paxton vs. James Talarico) will be determined

Read full article from source: BBC