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Senate ‘YOLO Caucus’ bucks Trump on Blanche: What to know
Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have withheld support for Todd Blanche’s nomination to become US attorney general, delaying a planned Senate Judiciary Committee vote. Their stance illustrates the influence of the informal “YOLO Caucus” — Republicans with less electoral pressure who have shown greater willingness to challenge President Trump — and could prevent his nominee reaching a full Senate vote before recess.
Cornyn and Tillis want written assurances over a Justice Department settlement involving Trump’s dispute with the Internal Revenue Service, including the removal of a proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund and limits on tax-audit protections. Both sit on the Judiciary Committee, where Democrats are expected to oppose Blanche, making Republican defections decisive; Cornyn has lost his primary contest, while Tillis is retiring.
In short
- Two Republican senators delayed Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination.
- They demand written changes to a Trump-related IRS settlement.
- Their votes could block the nomination in committee.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Cornyn and Tillis can argue that a nominee should answer clearly for the Justice Department’s handling of a settlement involving the president, especially where public money and limits on tax-audit protections are at issue. Seeking written assurances before advancing Blanche’s nomination reflects the Senate’s responsibility to scrutinise executive appointments and preserve confidence that the department acts independently.
The case against
Supporters of Blanche’s nomination can argue that delaying a committee vote over a separate settlement dispute risks turning confirmation into leverage over policy and weakening the president’s ability to staff his administration. They may also contend that concerns about the settlement should be addressed through oversight or legislation, rather than by holding up a nominee before the full Senate has considered him.
Explained simply
Todd Blanche has been nominated by President Trump to become US attorney general, the country's senior law enforcement official. The Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote on his nomination before the Senate's recess.
Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have withheld their support for Blanche. Both sit on the Judiciary Committee, where Democrats are expected to oppose him, meaning their Republican votes are essential for the nomination to move forward.
Cornyn and Tillis are part of an informal group called the "YOLO Caucus" — Republican senators who face relatively little electoral pressure and have shown greater willingness to challenge President Trump. Cornyn has already lost his primary race whilst Tillis is retiring, reducing their vulnerability to Trump's supporters. They are demanding written assurances over a Justice Department settlement involving Trump's tax dispute with the Internal Revenue Service.
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