Trump May Temporarily Drop Blanche AG Bid Amid Senate Feud 2026

Trump may temporarily drop his bid to make Todd Blanche attorney general, but he plans to keep Blanche in an acting role until two Republican senators leave office next year. This extraordinary move escalates an intra-party fight over a $1.8 billion fund and tax immunity provisions.

Why Cornyn and Tillis Are Blocking Blanche's Confirmation

Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have refused to support Blanche's nomination unless they get written assurances from the Justice Department. The dispute centers on a controversial agreement that would create a $1.8 billion compensation fund for people claiming political weaponization, plus broad tax immunity for the president and his family.

Blanche has publicly stated the fund is not moving forward, but Cornyn and Tillis want that commitment in writing. They also seek clarity on the tax immunity terms. The Senate Judiciary Committee canceled Thursday's vote when it became clear Blanche lacked the votes to advance.

The $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Controversy

The proposed fund was designed to compensate alleged victims of government weaponization, but it drew bipartisan backlash. Critics called it a slush fund that could be abused. Blanche said the fund is dead, yet the senators remain skeptical without formal documentation.

Cornyn and Tillis, both leaving Congress in January, were negotiating language with the DOJ on Wednesday. Their insistence on written proof has stalled the confirmation process, prompting Trump's threat to bypass the Senate entirely.

Trump's Plan: Keep Blanche as Acting Attorney General

Trump blasted the two senators on Thursday, vowing to keep Blanche as acting attorney general—a role he has held since April when Trump fired Pam Bondi. Federal law permits the deputy AG to serve indefinitely in an acting capacity until a successor is confirmed.

This strategy would allow Blanche to continue running the Justice Department without Senate approval, effectively sidelining the confirmation process. Trump's refusal to endorse Cornyn and Tillis in future races adds political pressure, but it remains unclear if they will cave.

Comparison: Confirmed vs. Acting Attorney General

Key Takeaways from This Political Standoff

• Trump may temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination, but keep him as acting AG.
• Two Republican senators demand written assurances on the $1.8B fund and tax immunity.
• The Senate Judiciary Committee canceled the confirmation vote due to lack of support.
• Blanche has served as acting AG since April, after Bondi's firing.
• This move could set a precedent for bypassing Senate confirmations.

What Happens Next?

The standoff is far from over. Cornyn and Tillis are expected to hold firm unless they get the written guarantees they seek. Meanwhile, Trump's threat to keep Blanche in an acting role could lead to a constitutional showdown over the limits of executive power.

Legal experts say the acting AG can serve indefinitely, but the political fallout may pressure both sides to reach a compromise. If Blanche remains acting AG, he will continue overseeing major DOJ decisions without Senate oversight.

FAQ