Thom Tillis and John Cornyn Hold Trump's Attorney General Nomination in Balance

Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn have emerged as decisive votes in Todd Blanche's attorney general confirmation, with both remaining noncommittal despite intensive White House outreach. The North Carolina and Texas senators, long targets of presidential criticism, are using their leverage to demand modifications to settlements that authorized a $1.776 billion compensation fund for Trump allies and granted tax investigation immunity to the Trump family.

The Nomination in Limbo

Blanche, serving as acting attorney general, requires approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee before a full Senate vote. A single Republican "no" vote on the committee could derail his nomination entirely. The White House confirmed it has maintained active conversations with committee members as it attempts to secure passage of the controversial nominee's candidacy.

Tillis, 65, and Cornyn, 74, both acknowledged the administration's outreach during Capitol Hill discussions. Tillis indicated his staff have engaged with the Justice Department almost daily to address his concerns about the settlement agreements. Cornyn was more direct about his leverage, questioning whether Blanche wanted confirmation badly enough to accept modifications to the deal he previously entered into on the president's behalf.

Core Points of Contention

The senators' hesitation centers on two specific issues: the Anti-Weaponization Fund and tax immunity provisions. Bipartisan criticism emerged over the potential distribution of money to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. The Justice Department subsequently announced the fund would not proceed, but Blanche has resisted putting this commitment in writing—a demand both senators have raised during confirmation proceedings.

Cornyn pressed Blanche during his Judiciary Committee hearing on this exact issue, seeking written guarantees. Tillis requested a separate meeting with Blanche to discuss his staff's concerns, a meeting that the Justice Department reportedly facilitated. These negotiations underscore how thoroughly Tillis and Cornyn have positioned themselves as essential to confirmation success rather than automatic Trump administration votes.