Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy announced Friday that he will back Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, clearing a crucial path for confirmation to lead the Justice Department under President Donald Trump after weeks of doubt driven by GOP opposition over a controversial $1.8 billion fund.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced on Friday that he will support Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as U.S. attorney general, breaking ranks with fellow party members and paving the way for Blanche’s confirmation to lead President Donald Trump’s Justice Department.
Cassidy delivered his endorsement on the Senate floor, acknowledging that the nominee is not perfect
while pointing to concerns over a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund, a tax audit immunity agreement, and past investigations into political opponents, bostonherald.com. Despite those misgivings, the Louisiana lawmaker argued that no other candidate would be better equipped to manage the agency under the current administration, noting that Blanche’s background as Trump’s former criminal defense lawyer could give him unique leverage in pushing back against presidential demands.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins Oppose the Nomination
Cassidy’s announcement came on the heels of mounting resistance from within his own party. Earlier on Friday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced her opposition to the nominee, joining Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who had previously declared herself a no
vote, as reported by HuffPost.
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska
Murkowski cited the Justice Department’s handling of files concerning financier Jeffrey Epstein, the sweeping tax audit immunity deal, and the proposed Anti-Weaponization Fund
as key reasons for her opposition, the outlet reported. She warned that the administration might still move forward with the compensation fund despite assurances that it was dead, noting that the Senate’s confirmation leverage offered the only remaining check on the proposal.
The $1.8 Billion Fund and Tax Audit Deal Controversy
The nomination had stalled due to intense bipartisan scrutiny over a settlement agreement tied to a lawsuit Trump filed against the Internal Revenue Service. That settlement established a $1.8 billion fund designed to compensate individuals who felt mistreated by the criminal justice system, alongside a provision granting Trump and his family members immunity from tax audits, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
To clear the nomination through the Senate Judiciary Committee last weekend, Blanche struck a deal with Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Under that agreement, Blanche formally rescinded the fund through an official order stating there is no Fund,
while the Justice Department clarified that the tax audit immunity applied only to claims active at the time of the settlement and would not protect future tax filings.
Cassidy’s Personal Political Stakes and Practical Reality at the Justice Department
Cassidy’s vote marks a notable moment in his legislative career. He voted to convict Trump for inciting the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, prompting Trump to endorse a primary challenger in Cassidy’s unsuccessful reelection bid this year, noted HuffPost. Visibly emotional on the Senate floor, Cassidy acknowledged that his vote would draw sharp criticism, asking What’s new?
Practically speaking, Blanche has already been operating as the acting attorney general since Trump dismissed Pam Bondi in April following dissatisfaction with her handling of criminal cases against political rivals, bostonherald.com. Because Blanche previously cleared confirmation as deputy attorney general, he could have theoretically remained in an acting capacity for the duration of the presidential term without a formal vote.
Keep reading