GOP senator on outs with Trump hints there’s more Todd Blanche holdouts: ‘POTUS is mistaken’

Donald Trump is floating a strategic pivot regarding the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, suggesting he may pull the nomination temporarily and resubmit it once two key GOP holdouts depart the Senate in January.

The Nomination Roadblock

Trump proposed the delay on Thursday, aiming to wait out Senators John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C. Both senators have served as a significant barrier to Blanche’s permanent confirmation. As noted by the Associated Press, the two lawmakers have demanded written assurances regarding a settlement in the president’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

Specifically, the senators have expressed deep concerns over a $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that Blanche previously dismissed as “dead,” alongside a provision that would shield the president from IRS audits.

Trump’s Stance

In a Truth Social post, Trump lauded Blanche as a “STAR” and a potential historic figure in the office of the Attorney General. He attributed the current gridlock entirely to Cornyn and Tillis, noting that both senators were denied his endorsement during their respective political cycles. “I have 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,” Trump stated.

Cornyn Fires Back

However, the strategy may be built on a faulty premise. Sen. Cornyn, who recently lost his bid for reelection in the Texas primary, pushed back on the idea that the opposition begins and ends with him and Tillis.

“POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis,” the Texas senator wrote on X, signaling that 205focus.com readers should expect ongoing friction regarding these legislative hurdles.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this 205focus.com update.