John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has cautioned President Donald Trump that delaying the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general until 2027 could backfire, as control of the Senate might shift to Democrats in the November elections. Kennedy emphasized the risk, saying, “This place could be very different.”

Trump threatened to withdraw Blanche’s nomination due to opposition from Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who are blocking the nomination in the Judiciary Committee. Their objection centers on a $1.8 billion legal compensation fund for MAGA supporters, known as the Anti-Weaponization Fund, established in a May 18 settlement agreement with the IRS. Cornyn and Tillis demand revisions or clarifications to the settlement, particularly to scrap the fund.

Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stating last month that the Justice Department is "not moving forward with" the fund, Trump reiterated his support for compensating his supporters, including those involved in the 2021 Capitol riot, stating they "should be given compensation for what has been done to them." This stance contradicts Blanche’s assurances.

The Anti-Weaponization Fund, a central feature of the IRS settlement but unrelated to Trump’s lawsuit over the illegal disclosure of his tax returns, has faced bipartisan backlash. Blanche initially approved and defended the fund but abandoned it two weeks after announcing it due to intense opposition. Senators Cornyn and Tillis have been working with Blanche to formally end the fund, with Tillis describing Blanche as "forthright, thoughtful and patient" in these efforts.

Trump has criticized Cornyn and Tillis for refusing to endorse him and for blocking Blanche’s confirmation, despite previously supporting the fund. Recent Fox News polls show Democratic candidates leading in Texas and North Carolina Senate races, adding to concerns about Senate control.

Sources