Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) has set a firm condition for meeting with Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general: written assurances on the future of the controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. Cornyn, a key Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters he will not meet with Blanche unless the Justice Department provides guarantees in writing before Wednesday's scheduled discussion. The demand comes as Blanche's nomination faces uncertainty, with Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) insisting the fund be formally terminated before they support his confirmation.
Cornyn's Stance and DOJ Response
Cornyn has been vocal about his concerns, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that there is no deal on Blanche's nomination. He emphasized that the DOJ has been 'radio silent' for the last 24 hours regarding their demand. Blanche, who has been acting attorney general since April, has insisted the fund is 'dead,' but Cornyn and Tillis are seeking a written adjustment to the settlement agreement to confirm this.
Committee Vote and Political Tensions
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's nomination Thursday. Without Cornyn and Tillis' support, the vote is likely to fail. Cornyn has raised the possibility of postponing the vote until the fund issue is resolved. The fund, which was intended to compensate individuals claiming wrongdoing by the DOJ, has become a flashpoint for Republicans who argue the department has been politicized.
Background on the Anti-Weaponization Fund
The fund was part of a settlement agreement between Trump's legal team and the DOJ. Blanche has clarified that the tax addendum of the agreement only binds the IRS and Treasury, not other agencies. However, Cornyn and Tillis are pushing for explicit written confirmation that the fund is no longer active. The dispute highlights broader tensions within the Republican Party over the DOJ's direction and its handling of investigations, including those related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Next Steps
Cornyn's office and the DOJ have not yet responded to requests for comment. The outcome of the meeting and the written assurances will be critical in determining Blanche's confirmation prospects.