Trump May Temporarily Drop Blanche AG Bid Amid Senate Feud 2026

Donald Trump may temporarily drop his bid to make Todd Blanche attorney general, a move that escalates an intra-party fight with two Republican senators over a $1.8bn fund and tax immunity. The president's decision could keep Blanche as acting attorney general indefinitely, bypassing Senate confirmation.

Why Trump May Temporarily Withdraw Blanche's Nomination

Trump said on Thursday he might pull the nomination of Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer, to serve as attorney general. The move comes after Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina refused to back Blanche unless they received written assurances from the Justice Department about a controversial agreement.

The agreement in question involves a $1.8bn fund to compensate people claiming they were targets of political weaponization, plus broad immunity for the president and his family from past tax investigations. Blanche has publicly said the fund is not moving forward, but Cornyn and Tillis sought written confirmation, which Blanche refused to provide.

The Senate Standoff and Its Implications

The Senate Judiciary Committee canceled a vote on Blanche's confirmation scheduled for Thursday when it became clear he lacked the votes to advance. Both Cornyn and Tillis are leaving Congress in January, but they are leveraging their remaining time to force the Justice Department to clarify its position.

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

Key Differences: Confirmed vs. Acting Attorney General

What This Means for the Justice Department

Keeping Blanche as acting AG would allow Trump to bypass Senate confirmation, but it could also create legal challenges. Critics argue that indefinite acting appointments undermine the checks and balances intended by the Constitution. Supporters say it's a legitimate use of existing law to ensure continuity.

The $1.8bn fund and tax immunity provisions remain contentious. Cornyn and Tillis want written guarantees that these are off the table. Blanche's refusal to provide such assurances suggests he may be trying to preserve some flexibility for the administration.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• Trump may temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination to avoid Senate defeat.
• Blanche could continue as acting attorney general, a role he's held since April.
• Two Republican senators are blocking confirmation over a $1.8bn fund and tax immunity.
• The move highlights deep divisions within the GOP over the Justice Department's direction.
• No clear timeline for resolution, as both senators leave Congress in January.

FAQ: Trump's Attorney General Nomination

This political standoff could reshape the Justice Department's leadership and set a precedent for future appointments. As the situation develops, staying informed is crucial for understanding the broader implications for governance and accountability.