Why it's trending
The Senate is nearing a vote on Blanche's confirmation, and recent revelations from his written answers to the Judiciary Committee—that he still considers the blocked IRS settlement order active—have intensified opposition. Two key GOP senators remain undecided, creating uncertainty about the outcome.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is at the center of a confirmation battle as the Senate prepares to vote on his nomination. Two Republican senators—John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina—are in discussions with the White House to secure their support, according to Politico. The outcome remains uncertain as new details emerge about Blanche's conduct while serving as acting attorney general.
A key flashpoint is Blanche's role in settling President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. According to a report by MS NOW, Blanche was the sole signatory on a May 19 release order issued by the Office of the Attorney General. The order went beyond a previously established $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, providing broad benefits—including IRS immunity—to Trump, his family, businesses, and affiliates. The settlement was later blocked by U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams, who ruled that the lawsuit was 'brought for an improper purpose — to gain the imprimatur of judicial legitimacy for a settlement that had no viable basis in law or fact.'
Despite the judge's order, Blanche told the Senate Judiciary Committee in written answers that the release order is still in effect. Senator Chris Coons, D-Del., posed the question; Blanche replied simply, 'Yes.' This stance directly contradicts the court's ruling and has been cited by critics as evidence that Blanche continues to act as President Trump's personal lawyer rather than as an impartial chief law enforcement officer.
The Washington Post, in an opinion piece, also argued that Blanche's nomination deserves rejection, echoing concerns about his independence. The confirmation vote is expected imminently, with Cornyn and Tillis as potential swing votes. If confirmed, Blanche would become the nation's top law enforcement official; if rejected, it would be a significant defeat for the Trump administration.
Timeline
- Blanche signs IRS settlement release order
As acting attorney general, Todd Blanche signs a release order settling President Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, providing sweeping benefits to Trump, his family, and affiliates.
- Judge blocks settlement
U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams blocks the settlement, ruling that the lawsuit was an improper manipulation of the court and that the settlement had no viable basis in law or fact.
- Politico reports Cornyn and Tillis undecided
Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are in talks with the White House about supporting Blanche, but have not committed, per Politico.
- Blanche's written answers revealed
In responses to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche confirms that the blocked settlement order remains in effect, eliciting criticism from Democrats and some legal experts.
Questions people ask
Why is Todd Blanche's confirmation controversial?
Blanche's role in settling President Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit—and his insistence that the settlement order remains active despite a federal judge blocking it—has raised concerns about his independence and commitment to the rule of law.
What did the federal judge rule about the IRS settlement?
Judge Kathleen M. Williams ruled that the lawsuit was 'brought for an improper purpose' and that the settlement had 'no viable basis in law or fact.' She effectively prohibited Trump from relying on the settlement agreement.
Which senators are key to Blanche's confirmation?
Republican Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (North Carolina) are reportedly undecided. With a narrow Republican majority, their votes could determine the outcome.
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