Republicans delay vote on Trump’s US attorney general pick amid concerns

The nomination of Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general has encountered significant obstacles within the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the committee vote was postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support. Blanche, who currently leads the Department of Justice in an acting capacity, previously served as President Trump's personal criminal defense lawyer, a connection that has raised concerns among some Republican senators.

The primary focus of Republican skepticism centers on a settlement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service stemming from a lawsuit related to leaked tax returns. The agreement included provisions shielding Trump and his family from future tax investigations and established a $1.8 billion fund designated for individuals claiming political persecution by federal authorities. Both Republican and Democratic senators have characterized this fund as a mechanism to use taxpayer money to compensate Trump's allies. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both departing Congress, have been particularly vocal in their opposition.

During previous hearings, Blanche maintained that the plan had been discontinued, and a federal judge subsequently ruled the settlement illegal. However, critics argue they have not received adequate assurances that the arrangement cannot be revived. Cornyn accused the Department of Justice of "stonewalling" information requests and stated the responsibility now rests with Blanche to provide written commitments. Trump responded by suggesting Cornyn's resistance stemmed from the president's earlier endorsement of the senator's primary challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. On Thursday, Trump indicated he might temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination while criticizing both Cornyn and Tillis.