US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, July 30, 2026, that he could temporarily withdraw the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for the position of US attorney general. This move follows the postponement of a crucial confirmation vote caused by opposition from two Republican senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Trump stated on his website, Truth Social, that he has "no objection to temporarily withdrawing Todd's name, if they do not do the right thing, and putting him back after Cornyn and Tillis are out of office."

Blanche, who is Trump's former personal lawyer and currently serving as acting attorney general, would remain in his acting role during this period. Trump described Blanche as a "star" with the potential to become one of the greatest holders of the office.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, controlled by Republicans 12-10, had planned to vote on advancing Blanche's nomination on July 30, 2026. However, Republican leaders postponed the meeting after negotiations failed to secure support from Cornyn and Tillis. Either senator could join unified Democratic opposition to block the nomination from reaching the Senate floor.

The opposition centers on a proposed settlement that included a US$1.8 billion fund for individuals claiming to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions and broad protections for Trump, his family, and businesses from tax audits and other government claims. Blanche has stated that the so-called anti-weaponization fund will not proceed, but Cornyn and Tillis have demanded a formal written commitment to prevent its revival and language that narrows the tax protections.

Tillis remarked that it would be a mistake to believe concerns about the settlement provisions are limited to just him and Cornyn.

Sources