Todd Blanche’s prospects of becoming the permanent US attorney general appeared uncertain on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, after the Department of Justice failed to provide written assurances to Republican Senator John Cornyn regarding a controversial $1.8 billion fund.

The fund, created under a deal to compensate individuals claiming to be victims of government weaponization, also granted former President Trump, his family, and related businesses blanket immunity from tax audits for filings made until the agreement was reached. Blanche, who is currently serving as acting attorney general and is Trump’s former personal lawyer, announced in June that the department was scrapping this “anti-weaponization” fund but has not confirmed this in writing.

Cornyn, a key swing vote on the Senate judiciary committee, stated he would withhold support for Blanche’s nomination until he receives written confirmation that the fund is no longer active. He also seeks clarification that the tax immunity provision cannot be extended to future matters or to individuals not party to the settlement.

“Maybe they think I’m just going to give up or, you know, go along, but they’re mistaken,” Cornyn said. “We actually sent them a red-line strikeout of what we need, and they just need to make a decision.”

The Senate judiciary committee is scheduled to vote on Thursday, July 30, 2026, on whether to advance Blanche’s nomination. Blanche acknowledged during his confirmation hearing that Trump or other plaintiffs might attempt to enforce the settlement agreement despite the department’s position.

Sources