Todd Blanche Nears Attorney General Confirmation After Sen. Cassidy Backs Nomination/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy announced that he will support Todd Blanche for attorney general, likely securing enough votes for Senate confirmation. Cassidy acknowledged concerns about a proposed $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies, tax audit protections and investigations of the president’s opponents. Blanche’s supporters say his legal experience and relationship with Trump could help him resist unlawful demands, while critics question his independence.

Quick Look

• Sen. Bill Cassidy said he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche.


• Cassidy’s support likely clears Blanche’s path through the Senate.


• Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins oppose the nomination.


• Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April.


• Trump selected him after firing Pam Bondi.


• Blanche previously served as Trump’s criminal defense attorney.


• Cassidy described Blanche as imperfect but potentially effective.


• Concerns center on a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund.


• Blanche formally rescinded the “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”


• He issued an order stating that “there is no Fund.”


• The Justice Department narrowed tax audit protections for Trump and his family.


• The agreement does not cover Trump’s future tax filings.


• Democrats warn that the administration could revive the fund later.


• A federal judge called Trump’s IRS lawsuit improper self-dealing.


• The IRS employees’ union is trying to block the immunity agreement.


• Democrats accuse Blanche of prioritizing loyalty to Trump.


• Republicans cite his record on crime, immigration, cartels and drug trafficking.

Deep Look

Cassidy Backs Blanche for Attorney General

WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced Friday that he will support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.

The decision likely gives Blanche enough votes to win Senate confirmation and formally take control of President Donald Trump’s Justice Department.

Cassidy announced his position in a Senate floor speech after opposition from two other Republicans placed Blanche’s confirmation in doubt.

Murkowski and Collins Oppose Nomination

Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine said they would vote against Blanche.

Their opposition increased pressure on Cassidy and other undecided Republicans.

With Democrats expected to oppose the nomination, Blanche could afford to lose only a limited number of Republican votes.

Cassidy Calls Blanche Imperfect

Cassidy said he continued to have serious concerns about Blanche’s conduct and the Justice Department’s actions.

He pointed to a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for Trump allies, tax audit protections for Trump and his family, and investigations directed at the president’s political opponents.

Cassidy said Blanche “is not perfect.”

However, the senator concluded that another nominee might not be better able to run the Justice Department under Trump.

Former Trump Lawyer Could Push Back

Cassidy argued that Blanche’s history as Trump’s criminal defense attorney could make him more effective at resisting improper demands.

Because Trump trusts Blanche, Cassidy suggested, the nominee may be able to explain legal restrictions to the president more successfully than another attorney general.

Cassidy Anticipates Political Criticism

Cassidy lost his Republican primary after Trump endorsed his opponent.

During his floor speech, the senator appeared emotional while discussing the criticism he expected to receive for supporting Blanche.

He added: “What’s new?”

His decision showed Trump’s continued influence over Republican politics even after the president helped defeat him in the primary.

Blanche Would Be Trump’s Second Confirmed Attorney General

Blanche would become the second Senate-confirmed attorney general of Trump’s current term.

He has served as acting attorney general since April, when Trump dismissed Pam Bondi.

Trump returned to office saying he wanted the Justice Department to investigate people he viewed as political enemies.

Trump Fired Bondi in April

Bondi was removed after Trump became dissatisfied with the department’s failure to secure criminal cases against his opponents.

Blanche, who previously represented Trump in criminal proceedings, was elevated to acting attorney general.

His nomination raised immediate questions about whether he could maintain the Justice Department’s traditional independence from the White House.

IRS Settlement Complicates Confirmation

The most serious obstacle to Blanche’s confirmation emerged from a settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

The agreement created a proposed $1.8 billion fund for people who believe the criminal justice system treated them unfairly.

It also included protections shielding Trump and members of his family from certain tax audits.

Republicans and Democrats both raised questions about the settlement’s legality and scope.

Murkowski Raises Epstein and IRS Concerns

Murkowski cited the Justice Department’s handling of records involving Jeffrey Epstein as one reason for opposing Blanche.

Murkowski said she did not trust the administration’s assurances that the fund had been abandoned.

She noted that the Senate’s leverage over the issue could disappear after Blanche is confirmed.

Murkowski Questions Blanche’s Independence