Republicans say they will back Blanche after US Justice Department order

What the report says

Two Republican senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, said on Monday that they will move ahead with support for Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the US Department of Justice, after Blanche canceled a disputed $1.8bn fund. The order, issued the previous night, rescinded what critics had described as an “anti-weaponisation” fund tied to a settlement involving the Internal Revenue Service.

The development helps clear one of the main obstacles to Blanche’s confirmation in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Cornyn and Tillis had threatened to oppose him unless they received clear assurance that the fund would not go forward. Their votes matter because Blanche needs support from the Senate Judiciary Committee before the nomination can advance to the full chamber.

According to Al Jazeera, the fund had drawn bipartisan criticism because it was seen as potentially rewarding Trump allies who claimed persecution by the government. Concerns also grew that people involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol could have been eligible for payments. Blanche, who is serving as acting attorney general, had already said in June that he would not proceed with the fund, but Trump continued to publicly promote the idea.

The Justice Department said the new order makes clear that no fund will be created, no money transferred and no claims paid. The episode underscores the political tension surrounding Blanche’s nomination and broader disputes over Trump’s efforts to reshape the Justice Department.