President Donald Trump warned he could keep Todd Blanche as acting attorney general and renew efforts to pass an “Anti-Weaponization Bill” if Republican senators do not confirm his nominee for the Justice Department’s top role.
Trump Links Blanche Vote to Anti-Weaponization Push
On Saturday, Trump said in a Truth Social post that Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) were opposing Blanche’s confirmation because he declined to endorse them in their respective political contests.
“If Senators Cornyn and Tillis … aren’t going to approve Todd Blanche, one of the most respected professionals, according to everybody, in the country, to be the United States Attorney General, then I will keep Todd as Acting A.G.,” he wrote.
Trump also said he would push Congress to revive legislation aimed at addressing what he described as government “weaponization” under the Biden administration.
“I will get the Anti-Weaponization Bill … PASSED,” Trump said, adding that the proposal would help people who were “so badly treated” by the Biden and Obama administrations.
Tillis Pushes Back on Trump’s Fund Proposal
Tillis responded on X, criticizing Trump’s decision to connect Blanche’s confirmation with the proposed fund.
He said, “Despite comments as late as yesterday that the fund is dead, President Trump clearly intends to resurrect the payout pot for punks.”
Tillis added that he considered Blanche qualified for the position but argued the controversy surrounding the fund had complicated the confirmation process.
“It’s unfortunate that Todd Blanche, who I consider qualified for the job, will not be confirmed because of this reversal,” he wrote.
He further said, “Hopefully, we can resolve this by Tuesday.”
Blanche Confirmation Fight
Trump defended the proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” saying he believed people targeted by the government were treated unfairly.
While officials previously said the plan was abandoned, Trump said, “It is dead, but you know, I wish it weren’t,” renewing concerns among Republican senators blocking Blanche’s attorney general nomination.
Tillis said Trump’s comments showed the fund was still active, arguing, “The President made it clear today that the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund is still alive, which is exactly why we are attempting to formally end it.”
Treasury Official Resigns
Earlier, Treasury Department General Counsel Brian Morrissey resigned after the Trump administration announced a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” aimed at compensating alleged victims of government targeting.
The Treasury said Morrissey served “with both honor and integrity.”
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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