Republican holdouts back Todd Blanche for attorney general after fund pledge

Todd Blanche's path to becoming the permanent U.S. attorney general appears clearer after two Republican senators pledged to support his nomination. Their support follows written assurances from Blanche that a controversial $1.8 billion fund, intended for Donald Trump's allies, will be abandoned.

Senators Mike Lee and Ted Cruz had previously indicated they would block Blanche's confirmation. Their opposition centered on the proposed fund, which critics viewed as a potential slush fund for Trump's associates. Blanche's written commitment to dissolve this fund seems to have satisfied their concerns.

The U.S. Senate judiciary committee is set to vote on Tuesday on whether to recommend Blanche's nomination to the full Senate. Blanche is currently serving as the acting attorney general, a position he assumed after his initial nomination.

His confirmation would solidify his role as the top federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, a significant position overseeing high-profile cases.