Sen. Tillis Responds to Trump's Threat Regarding AG Nominee

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina addressed President Donald Trump's threat to withdraw the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Tillis stated that the White House should honor a prior commitment to secure his vote. He remarked, "That's his prerogative," in response to Trump's comments on social media about blocking Blanche's nomination. Trump indicated he might pull the nomination until Tillis and Senator John Cornyn of Texas leave office next year. Tillis has withheld support for Blanche unless the administration agrees to eliminate a nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund and revise certain language in a settlement agreement. Negotiations on these issues are ongoing. Tillis emphasized that Blanche is not responsible for the current impasse and suggested that an advisor to Trump is the source of the problem. He noted that there is no guarantee the Senate would be more favorable to Blanche's confirmation next year, given the political landscape. Despite the situation, Tillis mentioned that negotiations with the administration continue and he has not ruled out supporting Blanche.