Blanche nomination at risk of delay as Sen. Cornyn seeks assurances on Trump-IRS settlement

Todd Blanche's path to becoming attorney general faces a potential roadblock as Republican Senator John Cornyn demands more assurances from the Justice Department. Cornyn, a critical swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has postponed a meeting with Blanche, who has been acting attorney general since April.

Cornyn expressed frustration, stating the Justice Department has not adequately addressed his concerns in writing about the settlement of President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. This settlement reportedly includes protections for Trump and his family from tax audits. The committee has scheduled a vote for Thursday, but it could be delayed if Cornyn's demands are not met. Another Republican, Thom Tillis, supports Cornyn's position, meaning just one more Republican defection could derail Blanche's nomination.

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They know what they need to do but they simply refuse to do it.

The core issue revolves around the settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit. While the Justice Department previously abandoned a controversial "Anti-Weaponization Fund" amid bipartisan backlash, the audit immunity agreement for Trump and his family reportedly remains in place. Lawmakers worry this fund could resurface without a firm written commitment from the Trump administration that it is defunct.

Blanche has previously resisted formal written retractions but indicated at his confirmation hearing that the administration would help draft legislation to prevent the fund's creation. Cornyn also seeks clarity on the scope of the tax immunity deal, with Blanche asserting it covers existing audits but not future tax filings. "They know what they need to do but they simply refuse to do it," Cornyn said of the Justice Department.

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We're been trying to help them get to a conclusion here and they won't let us. It's befuddling to me.