Trump considers pulling Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination as senators hold out - bbc.com
President Trump is considering withdrawing Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general due to confirmation delays in the Senate. Two Republican senators are withholding support until they receive written assurances regarding a controversial anti-weaponization fund.
Why it matters
The standoff highlights internal friction within the Republican party regarding the scope and ethics of the Justice Department under the new administration.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu Getty Images Todd Blanche is currently the acting attorney general, the head of the US justice department US President Donald Trump says he is considering withdrawing Todd Blanche's nomination to be attorney general as his confirmation appears stalled in the Senate.
Blanche, who has been acting in the role since April, needs the support of all Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation to advance.
However, two senators - John Cornyn from Texas and North Carolina's Thom Tillis, whose terms both expire in January - are withholding theirs over the status of a controversial fund to compensate Trump allies.
"I have no objection to temporarily withdrawing Todd's name, if they do not do the right thing, and putting him back after Cornyn and Tillis are out of office," Trump said.
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