GOP Senators Waver on AG Nominee Blanche Amid Epstein Victim Concerns and DOJ Fund Doubts

President Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General, Todd Blanche, faces a precarious path to confirmation as two key Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee express reservations. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have voiced concerns that could derail Blanche's nomination, leaving his confirmation vote in the balance.

The primary sticking points for Senators Cornyn and Tillis revolve around two main issues: a controversial, now-canceled $1.8 billion Department of Justice "Anti-Weaponization" fund and Blanche's engagement with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ fund, initially established as part of a settlement in Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, has drawn criticism from some Republicans who fear it could be revived or misused.

Senator Cornyn indicated he remains undecided on Blanche's nomination, stating, "I am still considering it." His uncertainty stems from lingering questions about the permanence of the DOJ fund's termination. "Yup, yup," Cornyn responded when asked if he was still concerned about the fund being definitively dead.

Senator Tillis has made Blanche's meeting with Epstein survivors a prerequisite for his support. "I want Blanche to meet with victims of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before voting on his confirmation," Tillis stated. Following Tillis' remarks, Blanche scheduled a meeting with Epstein victims, with several survivors and family members seen entering the Department of Justice building.

Blanche, who is also President Trump's former criminal defense lawyer, has faced criticism for not previously meeting with victims and for the DOJ's release of files containing identifying information about Epstein survivors during his tenure as deputy attorney general. Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor, testified against Blanche, detailing how survivors' identifying information and sensitive documents were released under his leadership.

The potential roadblock from Cornyn and Tillis, both Republicans, highlights a trend of some outgoing GOP senators creating challenges for the Trump administration's agenda. Tillis is not seeking reelection this year. If either senator votes against forwarding Blanche's nomination out of committee, and all Democrats vote in opposition, the nomination could be effectively stalled, preventing a vote by the full Senate.

Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general, was confirmed as deputy attorney general last year. Despite the current uncertainty, he could continue in his acting role if not confirmed as the permanent Attorney General.

The concerns over the DOJ fund are tied to specific language in the settlement agreement that allows for modifications with the written agreement of the parties. While Blanche asserts the fund is defunct, critics, including some Republican senators, fear that Trump or other plaintiffs could attempt to revive it, potentially leading to further litigation.

Former Attorney General John Ashcroft has testified in support of Blanche. However, the testimony from Epstein survivors, coupled with the ongoing doubts about the DOJ fund, presents significant hurdles for Blanche's confirmation. The outcome of these deliberations will be closely watched as the Trump administration seeks to solidify its leadership at the Department of Justice.