President Donald Trump announced that he may withdraw the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche after the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed his confirmation hearing.
The postponement follows opposition from Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, the only members of the committee who have not pledged support.
Trump indicated he would keep Blanche in an acting capacity until both senators leave office next year, at which point he would consider resubmitting the nomination.
In a statement, Trump praised Blanche as a highly qualified candidate who could become one of the most notable attorneys general in recent history.
Cornyn and Tillis have raised concerns about specific provisions in a tax settlement involving the president and his family, requesting written proposals to modify the agreement.
The senators are also seeking to terminate a nearly $2 billion anti‑weaponization fund and to revise language granting audit immunity within the settlement.
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley postponed Blanche’s confirmation hearing pending resolution of these demands, noting that the hearing cannot proceed without broader committee support.
Negotiations remain ongoing, but the final outcome is uncertain, and the Senate’s partisan balance could influence Blanche’s prospects in the coming year.
Should the nomination remain stalled, the president could retain Blanche as acting attorney general for an extended period, following a precedent set by previous administrations.
