President Donald Trump has directed strong criticism towards Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, in relation to the stalled nomination of Trump’s personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, for the role of attorney general.
On Friday morning, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Cornyn for allegedly obstructing Blanche’s nomination. This followed Trump’s threat to withdraw the nomination from Senate consideration. According to Trump, Cornyn — alongside Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. — previously supported a nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund. However, Cornyn opposed this after Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during their primary election struggle.
Trump, addressing his supporters on Truth Social, accused Cornyn of initially supporting the fund, which he claims benefits ‘American Patriots’ affected by the Biden Administration, until Trump endorsed Cornyn’s electoral opponent. Fox News Digital has not yet received a comment from Cornyn’s office in response to these allegations.
Cornyn and Tillis have insisted on changes from the Department of Justice (DOJ). They seek explicit measures to revise the anti-weaponization fund and articulate Trump’s audit immunity, stemming from a settlement with the IRS launched by Blanche.
The Texas Republican highlights a demand for clear terms regarding Trump’s audit immunity, but progress remains stalled. Lawmakers suggest interference from higher officials is delaying Blanche’s confirmation.
“I thought we were pretty close to landing the plane last night, but this morning there’s been some more complications,” Cornyn shared with reporters, indicating potential influence from the White House. “I think if this were just between me and Todd Blanche, we would have worked this out.”
Trump remains firm in retaining the fund despite bipartisan condemnation linked to taxpayer allocation concerns for the January 6 Capitol rioters.
“I believe those impacted by government abuse require compensation for the hardships endured,” Trump stated, citing popular support from his past presidential win. Trump advocates for Blanche’s immediate appointment in light of Cornyn’s primary defeat due to Trump’s endorsement.
Efforts to resolve Blanche’s delayed confirmation continued with late-hour meetings between Cornyn, Tillis, and Blanche on Thursday.
In the wake of Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, postponing Blanche’s confirmation hearing, Trump warned of removing the nomination due to current disagreements, considering waiting until Cornyn and Tillis exit office next year.
Midterm election results in November could affect Blanche’s Senate prospects; other Republican senators such as Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and John Curtis, R-Utah, are yet to fully endorse Blanche, joining Democratic opposition that could jeopardize his confirmation.
Alex Miller writes for Fox News Digital, focusing on U.S. Senate coverage.