President Donald Trump is escalating his battle with two Republican senators as his effort to secure Senate confirmation for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche runs into unexpected resistance. The dispute has exposed growing divisions within the GOP over the administration’s legal priorities and could delay one of Trump’s most important Cabinet nominations.
With negotiations continuing behind closed doors, the standoff has become one of the biggest political stories on Capitol Hill, raising questions about whether Republicans can quickly unite behind the president’s nominee.
Trump Calls Out GOP Senators
Trump publicly criticized Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina after Blanche’s confirmation hearing was postponed.
Posting on Truth Social, the president praised Blanche as an exceptional nominee while accusing the two senators of standing in the way of his confirmation.
Trump argued that Blanche has the potential to become one of the nation’s strongest attorneys general and suggested he would consider temporarily withdrawing the nomination if Cornyn and Tillis refuse to support it.
The president also reminded supporters that both senators previously voted to confirm former Attorney General Merrick Garland, contrasting those votes with their current opposition to Blanche.
Why Republicans Are Holding Up The Nomination
Despite Trump’s criticism, neither Cornyn nor Tillis has argued that Blanche lacks the qualifications to lead the Justice Department.
Instead, both senators say their concerns center on policy issues rather than the nominee himself.
The lawmakers are seeking written guarantees regarding an IRS settlement involving Trump and his family, along with permanent elimination of the nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund that has become a major sticking point in negotiations with the administration.
Cornyn pushed back against Trump’s criticism, saying concerns over the agreement extend beyond just himself and Tillis.
Negotiations remain active, but Republican leaders have not yet announced a final compromise.
Trump Floats A New Strategy
Trump suggested he could withdraw Blanche’s nomination for now and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis are no longer serving in the Senate.
The president previously backed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Cornyn during the Republican primary, while Tillis announced his retirement after breaking with Trump over the president’s legislative agenda.
Although Trump raised the possibility of delaying the nomination, doing so would not necessarily guarantee an easier confirmation in the future.
Senate Leaders Want A Resolution
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed confidence that Republicans can still reach an agreement without postponing the confirmation until another Congress.
According to Thune, the priority should be resolving the outstanding concerns raised by Cornyn and Tillis so Blanche can receive a Senate vote.
Republican leaders continue working with the White House in hopes of avoiding a prolonged internal dispute that could distract from the administration’s broader agenda.
Blanche Could Continue Serving As Acting Attorney General
Even if the confirmation process remains stalled, Blanche may continue serving as acting attorney general under federal law.
The Federal Vacancies Reform Act allows acting Cabinet officials to remain in office for up to 210 days. That timeline can restart if a nomination is pending before the Senate.
If Trump formally withdraws Blanche’s nomination and later submits it again, the administration could extend his time in the acting role while lawmakers continue negotiations.
Grassley Delays The Hearing
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley postponed Blanche’s confirmation hearing after it became clear there was not enough Republican support to advance the nomination.
Grassley emphasized that he believes Blanche is well qualified and said his focus remains on finding a path to move the nomination through the committee and onto the Senate floor.
Without the votes of Cornyn and Tillis, Republicans currently lack the support needed to advance the nomination.
What’s Next?
The White House and Senate Republicans remain engaged in negotiations as both sides search for common ground.
Whether Trump chooses to continue pressuring the two senators, withdraw Blanche’s nomination temporarily, or negotiate a compromise will likely determine how quickly the confirmation process moves forward.
For now, Blanche continues serving as acting attorney general while Republicans work to resolve one of the most closely watched nomination battles of Trump’s second term.