Two key Republican senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have announced their support for Todd Blanche's nomination as US attorney-general, clearing the path for his confirmation. Blanche, who has served as acting attorney-general since April and was formerly Donald Trump's personal lawyer, agreed to formally withdraw a $2.5 billion "anti-weaponisation fund" intended for Trump allies. This fund had faced criticism for potentially directing taxpayer money to supporters of former President Trump, including individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection.

Senators Cornyn and Tillis had previously delayed Blanche's nomination, seeking written assurances that the Justice Department would not proceed with the fund. Blanche posted a statement on social media confirming the fund's formal rescindment.

"We want to express our gratitude to Mr Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon," the senators said in a joint statement. Their support is expected to enable the committee to advance the nomination imminently.

The senators also objected to a related order barring the IRS from auditing past tax returns of Trump, his relatives, and companies for returns filed before May 18. They noted that the audit settlement is limited to the plaintiffs and does not extend beyond the defendants in the lawsuit, which include the IRS and Treasury.

Critics, however, remain concerned that immunity for Trump's past tax returns could still save him millions, with the settlement requiring approval from both sides, including Trump's personal lawyers, to be altered. Brandon DeBot, policy director at the nonpartisan Tax Law Center, stated, "They don't pull back on the ongoing attempts to give the president, his family, and his affiliates unauthorised immunity from tax audits."

Donald Trump acknowledged on Monday that he was aware of the senators' intention to advance Blanche's nomination. Blanche himself commented, "I think Todd Blanche agreed to reconfirm things that he's already said, and what he said was OK."

Sources