Trump considers pausing Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
President Donald Trump is considering temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after Republican senators withheld support and a committee vote was postponed. The dispute highlights resistance within Trump’s own party to a nominee who is already acting attorney general, potentially delaying confirmation of the United States’ top law-enforcement official.
Trump said he could renominate Blanche after Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina leave office in January. Their concerns relate to a settlement over Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, with both senators seeking restrictions and assurances about a tax-audit immunity arrangement for Trump and his family.
- Trump may pause Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination.
- Republican senators’ opposition delayed a committee vote.
- Concerns focus on an IRS settlement involving Trump’s family.
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The attorney general leads the US Justice Department, which oversees federal law enforcement and represents the government in many legal cases. The post is appointed by the president but must be confirmed by the Senate, where a committee normally considers the nomination before a full vote.
Todd Blanche is a lawyer who has represented Donald Trump in high-profile legal matters and has since served in the administration. Republican senators can influence whether a nominee advances, especially when the president’s party has only a limited margin in the Senate.
The disagreement involves a proposed settlement connected to Trump’s case against the Internal Revenue Service and concerns about protections from tax audits for Trump and relatives. Such disputes can affect both the timing of a nomination and wider questions about the independence of the Justice Department.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Pausing the nomination could be a prudent response to serious concerns from senators about an arrangement that may benefit the President and his family. Supporters would argue that the attorney general must command confidence that the Justice Department and related federal institutions will act independently, and that clear safeguards should be settled before a confirmation proceeds. Temporarily stepping back may therefore protect the legitimacy of both the nominee and the office.
The case against
Keeping the nomination moving could be justified by the need for stable, accountable leadership at the Justice Department, particularly when Blanche is already performing the role on an acting basis. Opponents of a pause may argue that a nominee should be assessed on his own record and commitments rather than being indefinitely delayed by a dispute over a settlement that can be scrutinised through normal oversight. They may also fear that waiting for particular senators to leave office would make confirmation appear driven by political timing rather than the merits of the appointment.
More coverage
- The Hill — 3 Trump nominees advance; Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination in limbo
- The Hill — Trump floats pulling Blanche nomination to circumvent Cornyn, Tillis
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Originally published by NPR as “Trump says he ‘may’ pull Blanche AG nomination temporarily”.