Blanche AG Nomination Clears Committee Over Trump Fund Deal
Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination after GOP Senators Cornyn and Tillis agreed to modifications to the controversial anti-weaponization fund. Blanche had agreed Sunday to amend the settlement that addresses their concerns about taxpayer-funded payments to Trump allies and January 6 rioters. The committee voted 12-10 along party lines to advance his nomination for full Senate consideration.
The committee's 12-10 party-line vote followed a weekend agreement where Blanche altered the settlement terms to address objections from Cornyn and Tillis, who are both departing Congress in January. The disputed fund was tied to a $1.776 billion lawsuit over leaked tax returns and aimed to compensate Trump allies, including pardoned rioters.
Despite the amendments, Democrats pointed out that only Blanche signed the order, leaving the original agreement potentially enforceable by other parties. Furthermore, the Justice Department retains access to the pre-existing Judgment Fund for similar payouts, and hundreds of pardoned rioters have filed claims, though the department moved to dismiss one case on Monday.
This procedural victory could temporarily ease tensions within the GOP, but the underlying dispute over taxpayer-funded payouts to political allies may persist. If confirmed, Blanche could face immediate pressure to revive the fund, potentially affecting public trust in the Justice Department's impartiality. The outcome may also influence how future administrations handle similar settlements, as the broader use of the Judgment Fund remains a viable avenue. Citizens could see ongoing legal battles over the scope of executive power and the treatment of January 6 participants.