Blanche Faces Scrutiny as Cornyn and Democrats Question AG Nominee Over Anti-Weaponization Fund
Blanche AG confirmation rocky as Cornyn – Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confronted what one senator described as something resembling a performance assessment rather than a standard job interview during his Wednesday appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nominee is attempting to solidify his position as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer.
While Democrats were certainly vocal in their questioning, Senator John Cornyn of Texas—a Republican serving out his term—also delivered pointed inquiries. Following his turn questioning Blanche, Cornyn expressed to reporters that he remained unconvinced about the nominee’s suitability for the attorney general role.
A Second Chance at Confirmation
This marks Blanche’s second appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a nomination hearing. The committee previously approved his appointment as deputy attorney general last year. However, the stakes are considerably higher this time around, with Blanche’s advancement potentially depending heavily on Cornyn’s support.
The Texas Republican focused considerable attention on the controversial $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, which has drawn criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
“I continue to have some concerns, but I’m not going to make any decisions at this point,” Cornyn told reporters outside the hearing room during a short recess. “I’m going to wait until we actually vote on a confirmation.”
Cornyn’s position carries significant weight in the confirmation process. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, another Republican who had previously voiced opposition to the anti-weaponization fund, appeared to soften his stance toward Blanche during the hearing. Nevertheless, a single Republican vote against the nominee could prevent Blanche from advancing through the committee.
Disputes Over the Fund and Legal Protections
Blanche characterized the anti-weaponization fund as a “moot issue” on multiple occasions throughout the hearing. He emphasized that he had been under oath when stating he had “rescinded” the document that created the $1.776 billion fund.
Cornyn countered that the matter remained unresolved, noting that President Trump or other interested parties could potentially bring the issue before the courts.
“Just to be clear, the president of the United States, who was a plaintiff in this lawsuit, has not agreed in writing to delete the weaponization fund, and there’s no guarantee that he or one of the other plaintiffs might raise that issue by way of a lawsuit,” Cornyn said.
The senator also highlighted a memo that Blanche signed shortly after the fund discussion. This memo “forever bars and precludes” Trump, his children, and his businesses from facing any prosecution or investigation—a comprehensive document providing protection beyond just IRS matters.
“I hear what you’re saying, but I certainly don’t read that in the agreement,” Cornyn responded when Blanche protested that the agreement “binds only the IRS and by extension the Treasury.”
Democratic Criticism Mounts
Democrats seized numerous opportunities to challenge Blanche and press him on the anti-weaponization fund throughout the hearing.
“But the agreement you signed on behalf of your former client, on behalf of your current client, in a staggering example of self-dealing, prohibits that,” said Senator Adam Schiff of California, noting that the agreement indemnifies Trump for crimes typically subject to prosecution.
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey engaged in a particularly heated exchange with Blanche. Quoting former President Abraham Lincoln, Booker emphasized that people reveal their true character not during difficult times, but when they possess power.
“I believe you’ve had a lot of power, and so we don’t have to speculate about what has been revealed with your time in that office. We don’t need to worry about what kind of attorney general [you’d be], you’ve already had that power,” Booker said. “So this isn’t a confirmation hearing. This is more of a performance review. And clearly, when it comes to the treatment of [Jeffrey] Epstein victims, when it comes to politically motivated prosecutions, when it comes from avoiding appearance of impropriety with corporations, you failed.”
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the ranking Democrat on the committee, cataloged what he characterized as a series of missteps. These ranged from prosecuting Trump’s political adversaries to the mass dismissal of career prosecutors. Durbin specifically mentioned the attorney who acknowledged in court that the Trump administration had incorrectly deported a man, prosecutors who handled cases involving Trump, and the former pardon attorney who declined to recommend a pardon for actor Mel Gibson.
“In less than 18 months at the Department of Justice, you have shown you’re still President Trump’s personal attorney. Your tenure can be summed up in the four words you said, ‘I love you, sir,’ to President Trump,” Durbin said, referencing how Blanche indicated he would respond if Trump chose to dismiss him. “This nation deserves an attorney general who loves the Constitution more than any single president.”
Schiff also examined Blanche’s record at the Department of Justice, raising additional questions about his tenure and decision-making during this critical period.
