Todd Blanche Attorney General Nomination Advances After GOP Deal 2026

Todd Blanche attorney general nomination is moving forward after two key Republican senators agreed to support him, following a written commitment that kills a controversial $1.8 billion fund. The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote on Tuesday, and Blanche, who already serves as acting attorney general, now has a clearer path to permanent confirmation.

What Changed for the GOP Holdouts?

Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, both Republicans who had threatened to block the nomination, announced they will advance it after Blanche released a legally enforceable document. This document formally terminates the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” and limits Trump’s audit protections to the specific IRS lawsuit, not indefinite immunity.

The senators had concerns that the fund and audit protections were part of a collusive settlement in Trump’s tax return leak case. A federal judge had previously criticized the DOJ for not defending the government in good faith, calling the arrangement a “collusive effort” to benefit the president.

Key Details of the Negotiated Agreement

The written order from the Department of Justice explicitly ends the fund and clarifies that the audit settlement applies only to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. This addresses worries from multiple Republican colleagues that the deal could set a dangerous precedent.

In a joint statement, Cornyn and Tillis said they were “pleased that the Department of Justice has issued a formal order terminating the anti-weaponization fund.” They also noted the department acknowledged in a binding order that the settlement scope is limited to the IRS and Treasury defendants.

Comparison: Before and After the Negotiation

What This Means for Blanche’s Confirmation

With the two holdouts now on board, Blanche’s nomination is expected to clear the judiciary committee and move to the full Senate for a vote. This is a significant win for the Trump administration, which has faced resistance from some Republicans over the past year.

Blanche, who has been acting attorney general, will likely face a smooth confirmation if all Republicans vote in favor. The deal also signals that the DOJ is willing to compromise to secure key appointments, even if it means reversing controversial policies.

Key Takeaways

• Blanche’s nomination advances after GOP holdouts drop objections.
• The $1.8B anti-weaponization fund is formally terminated.
• Audit protections are now limited to the specific IRS lawsuit.
• The Senate Judiciary Committee vote is scheduled for Tuesday.

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