Trump, Blanche, Senate Fight

Trump may withdraw Todd Blanche's AG nomination to pressure Senate Republicans.

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Summary

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he may temporarily withdraw Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination and resubmit it after Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis leave office next year, while leaving Blanche as acting attorney general. The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a planned vote after Cornyn and Tillis withheld support, preventing the nomination from advancing. They are seeking a written Justice Department commitment to unwind or change a $1.8 billion settlement tied to Trump’s IRS lawsuit and tax-audit protections.

The Coverage

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Some commentary

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Coverage Angles

Protecting DealLeans Left

Trump is willing to pull, delay, or work around Todd Blanche’s nomination in order to keep a corrupt settlement arrangement alive. The deal would benefit Trump, his family, or his allies, so protecting it matters more to him than a clean confirmation fight.

Nomination JeopardyLeans Left

Todd Blanche lacks enough Republican support for attorney general confirmation, leaving his nomination vulnerable to withdrawal or delay. The sticking point is resistance from Cornyn, Tillis, and other senators who want assurances about the Trump-linked IRS or DOJ settlement.