Senator John Cornyn holds the keys
Senator John Cornyn of Texas, a pivotal vote on the Senate judiciary committee, said Wednesday that he would not support Todd Blanche’s nomination to be attorney general until he receives written assurances that the controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund has been fully terminated.
Cornyn also wants guarantees that the immunity Trump and his businesses have from tax audits will not extend beyond the current agreement or to unrelated individuals. He has sent clear demands to the Justice Department, but no written confirmation has been given.
The flawed agreement faces backlash
The agreement in question resulted from a $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS over the unauthorized release of his tax returns. The settlement created a loosely controlled $1.8 billion fund for people who claim to be victims of government overreach and granted Trump, his family, and businesses immunity from audits for past matters.
A federal judge overseeing the case ruled the lawsuit was filed with an 'improper purpose,' and the Justice Department made no effort to defend the government in the case. The deal has drawn widespread criticism from both parties.
Blanche’s written silence raises doubts
Though Blanche announced in June that the fund would be scrapped, he has not provided written confirmation, which Cornyn insists is necessary. During a recent confirmation hearing, Blanche admitted that the plaintiffs in the case — including Trump — might still try to enforce the settlement terms. He also did not confirm the tax immunity provision was canceled.
Cornyn warned that the Justice Department must take a clear stance: 'We actually sent them a red-line strikeout of what we need, and they just need to make a decision.' The committee is set to vote Thursday on whether to advance the nomination.