President Donald Trump sharply criticized Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas on Saturday. They opposed his nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for a permanent role. Trump suggested he might keep Blanche as a temporary leader in the Justice Department and promised to push for the passing of the Anti-Weaponization Bill.

The president linked the Blanche nomination to the Anti-Weaponization Bill. This proposed legislation would replace a controversial Justice Department fund with a congressionally-approved program. The fund was initially set up by Blanche in an agreement with the IRS, creating a $1.8 billion pool for those claiming political persecution. Despite criticism that such a fund should have congressional backing, the Justice Department later halted its progress.

If Senators Cornyn and Tillis, both upset because I wouldn’t endorse them, aren’t going to approve Todd Blanche, then I will keep Todd as Acting A.G., and push hard to get the Anti-Weaponization Bill passed.

Trump’s comments followed sentiments from Cornyn and Tillis indicating they would not support progressing Blanche’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Cornyn, after losing a primary to a Trump-endorsed opponent, remarked on efforts to negotiate regarding Blanche’s nomination. He expressed the need for assurances in writing that the fund’s termination was permanent before possibly supporting Blanche.

During his confirmation hearing, Blanche confirmed to Cornyn that the fund was not advancing. Despite agreement on the fund’s end, Tillis demanded written confirmation, calling the fund a “payout pot for punks.” Tillis voiced disappointment over the potential lack of confirmation for Blanche, viewing him as qualified but hindered by the fund issue.

Regarding motivations, Trump speculated that Cornyn’s opposition arose from losing a primary to a Trump-supported candidate. Cornyn discounted this theory, calling it untrue.

At a Cabinet meeting, Trump acknowledged the fund’s termination but expressed disappointment. He believed those affected by alleged abuses should receive compensation.

Blanche is scheduled for a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Tuesday to decide if his nomination progresses to the full Senate.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, the Justice Department, Cornyn, and Tillis for further comments.