Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation as U.S. deputy attorney general was stalled on Wednesday, July 30th, 2026, less than 24 hours before a crucial Senate vote.

The delay stems from disagreements involving Blanche, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and two influential Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee, John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Both senators are demanding explicit, written proposals from the DOJ to modify the settlement agreement reached earlier this year between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and former President Donald Trump and his family.

Cornyn stated, "We need to conform the actual document to what Todd Blanche testified under oath as the President's Acting Attorney General." He also noted that it was "made clear from the outset that we expected some written proposals to modify the release that was signed in the tax dispute with President Trump and his organization."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed hope that a resolution could be reached soon, saying, "I think that that's an issue between, right now, the White House and Senators Cornyn and Tillis." Thune was scheduled to meet with Blanche on Wednesday morning and aimed for a floor vote next week to confirm Blanche as the replacement for former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Blanche encouraged the parties to negotiate, stating, "But, yeah, I would encourage them to sit down, which I think they are, and try to come to a resolution there so that the markup can continue tomorrow, and we can get Todd Blanche ready for the floor."

However, Cornyn indicated frustration over the lack of responsiveness, saying, "We've had two meetings scheduled that have now been canceled because they have not been responsive in providing those written documents."

This marks the first major confirmation fight for Blanche since the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, highlighting ongoing challenges in securing his appointment.

Sources