Trump unleashes fresh ‘weaponization’ claim as he rages against Todd Blanche holdout John Cornyn

Trump Calls for Senate Approval of Todd Blanche Nomination, Criticizes Senator Cornyn

President Donald Trump posted statements on Truth Social on July 30, 2026, criticizing Texas Senator John Cornyn for blocking a vote on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to lead the Department of Justice. Trump linked the opposition to a proposed $1.776 billion compensation fund tied to an IRS settlement agreement.

In the posts, Trump stated that Cornyn had not objected to the fund until after Trump endorsed Cornyn’s opponent in the Republican primary for Senate. The fund is described in the statements as intended to provide payments to individuals convicted in cases brought under the prior administration, including some prosecuted for actions on January 6, 2021. Trump wrote that these individuals “were hunted down like dogs and whose lives were unfairly and illegally destroyed by the Crooked Joe Biden Administration.” He added that they had been treated worse than any other group in U.S. history and remained affected despite mass pardons issued on his first day in office in 2025.

Trump further stated that “millions of people” had supported the compensation plan and accused Cornyn of changing position due to the primary contest. He called for Blanche to be “immediately approved.” The statements also referenced an IRS settlement provision that limits audits or investigations of Trump and his family businesses.

Blanche’s nomination has been held in the Senate Judiciary Committee by Cornyn and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis. Both senators have sought written assurances that the compensation fund will not proceed. During his confirmation hearing, Blanche described the fund plan as “dead,” though no public transcript or direct quote confirming the exact wording has been released.

Trump indicated he would consider temporarily withdrawing Blanche’s nomination if the senators do not support it, while keeping Blanche in the acting role. He stated he would consider re-nominating Blanche after Cornyn and Tillis leave office. On July 29, Trump described Blanche as a “star” with potential to rank among the greatest attorneys general.

Cornyn responded on X that concerns about the IRS settlement provisions extend beyond himself and Tillis. “POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis,” Cornyn wrote.

The compensation fund originates from terms discussed in connection with the IRS settlement. Trump has maintained that the payments would go to individuals whose prosecutions he views as improper, separate from any personal benefit. Blanche’s hearing testimony addressed the fund’s status, but the precise record of that testimony remains limited to the senators’ characterizations.

The two senators have also raised objections to the IRS settlement’s effect on potential audits. Trump has continued to advocate for Blanche’s confirmation while stating that the fund should advance. No vote on the nomination has been scheduled in the Judiciary Committee as of July 31, 2026.