Senator Thom Tillis has dismissed President Donald Trump’s threat to withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, saying the White House should honour an earlier commitment it made to secure his support. The dispute highlights divisions among Senate Republicans over a key justice post and could delay or derail Blanche’s confirmation.

Trump criticised Tillis and Senator John Cornyn on Truth Social for obstructing his effort to confirm Blanche, who is serving as acting attorney general. Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said negotiations were continuing and blamed the White House for the stalled process.