Todd Blanche, nominated by President Donald Trump for the position of attorney general, is encountering resistance from key Senate Republicans regarding his management of the Justice Department's canceled 'anti-weaponization fund' and issues related to Jeffrey Epstein survivors. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) have not committed to supporting Blanche, which could hinder his advancement from the Senate Judiciary Committee in a vote scheduled for next week. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) is also viewed as a potential factor in the decision.
Concerns from Cornyn and Tillis center on a settlement agreement involving Blanche as acting attorney general, which proposed a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund that faced bipartisan criticism. This fund was intended to provide payments to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, among others. Cornyn has indicated that discussions are ongoing with the Trump administration and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to nullify the fund, despite Blanche's assurances that it is no longer active.
Cornyn stated, 'The weaponization provision is enforceable as a contract,' emphasizing that changes to the agreement would require written consent from the involved parties. He also warned that the issue would not simply disappear.
In written responses to the Judiciary Committee, Blanche declined to answer several questions from Tillis regarding the fund, citing the appropriateness of discussing internal deliberations. Tillis has expressed interest in hearing from Epstein survivors who recently met with Blanche, as they seek further prosecution beyond Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and are concerned about the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files.
Some Epstein survivors described their meeting with Blanche as inadequate, prompting them to send an open letter to Cornyn and Tillis urging them to oppose Blanche's confirmation. They argued that supporting Blanche would contradict their records of standing with survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault.
A vote on Blanche's nomination is anticipated on July 30, with a potential confirmation vote in early August before the Senate recesses for a month. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) expressed optimism about Blanche's chances, contingent on support from Tillis, while not addressing Cornyn's concerns.