As Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's Senate confirmation process becomes a critical test in US politics, the stance of two key Republican senators will be decisive. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis and Texas Senator John Cornyn said they are not yet ready to announce their support for Blanche.
During his questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche faced questions focused on the status of the $1.8 billion 'gun violence prevention fund' and his connection to an agreement between his former client President Donald Trump's family and the IRS. Cornyn expressed concerns about the fund, saying, 'I don't know what other information will come. The hearing isn't even halfway over. I don't have to make a decision right now.'
Democrats' Fierce Opposition
The committee's senior Democratic member Dick Durbin harshly criticized Blanche over his former client Trump. Durbin said, 'No one who represents a known pathological liar like Donald Trump can have integrity. You should never be attorney general because you represented an incorrigible liar like Trump.'
Delaware Senator Chris Coons also shared concerns, saying Blanche must not turn the Justice Department into a 'tool to implement Trump's revenge agenda.'
Republicans' Hesitation
When Senator John Kennedy asked if he saw himself as the president's friend, Blanche replied, 'I was his lawyer — I was his lawyer and now I'm deputy attorney general.' Cornyn interpreted this as, 'I think he's trying to walk a fine line.'
Thom Tillis, however, welcomed Blanche's statement that he is willing to work on legislation to permanently end the $1.8 billion fund. Tillis said, 'That's a strong indication that he and the administration are willing to end this.'
