Trump defends DOJ 'weaponization' fund as clash with Cornyn deepens over Todd Blanche nomination
Trump defends DOJ 'weaponization' fund as clash with Cornyn deepens over Todd Blanche nomination
By Saqib S. Qureshi
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday defended a controversial Justice Department compensation fund for alleged victims of government "weaponization" and sharply criticized Republican Sen. John Cornyn, escalating an internal GOP dispute that is further jeopardizing Todd Blanche's nomination to become U.S. attorney general.
The growing confrontation comes as Blanche's confirmation has stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee after Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis demanded legally binding assurances that a proposed $1.8 billion Justice Department compensation fund would not move forward.
Trump rejected the senators' concerns, insisting the fund is intended to compensate Americans whom he says were unfairly targeted through politically motivated investigations. He accused Cornyn of undermining his administration and warned that Republican opposition could delay confirmation of one of his top Cabinet nominees.
Cornyn has maintained that his objection is not directed at Blanche personally but at the legal implications of the settlement agreement. He has called for written guarantees that the compensation fund and related provisions will be permanently removed before allowing the nomination to advance.
The dispute has placed Blanche's confirmation in increasing doubt. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has already postponed a committee vote as Republican leaders attempt to resolve the disagreement.
Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney, has been serving as acting attorney general since April. He has testified that the compensation fund is effectively inactive, but skeptical Republican senators continue to seek formal legal documentation before backing his nomination.
The public disagreement highlights growing tensions within the Republican Party, where Trump's influence continues to dominate while some lawmakers push back on legal and institutional issues involving the Justice Department.
The White House has continued lobbying Republican senators to support Blanche, arguing that he is essential to implementing Trump's law-enforcement agenda. Whether the administration can secure enough Republican votes remains uncertain as the standoff enters another critical phase.