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Trump Hits Fresh Senate Roadblock: Republican Senator Stalls Attorney General Pick Over Immunity Deal… White House Under Pressure
A demand for written limits on an immunity agreement has delayed Todd Blanche’s confirmation, exposing new tensions between Donald Trump and key Republican senators.
US President Donald Trump has encountered another political challenge in the US Senate, as the confirmation of his attorney general nominee Todd Blanche has been unexpectedly delayed by members of his own party.
Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have blocked Blanche’s nomination from advancing through the Senate Judiciary Committee, seeking written assurances from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) over the scope of a proposed immunity agreement involving Trump and his business interests.
The move has temporarily halted the confirmation process just as lawmakers prepare to leave Washington, D.C., for the weekend.
Why Are Republicans Holding Up Todd Blanche’s Nomination?
According to reports, Cornyn and Tillis are not opposing Blanche’s nomination itself. Instead, they are demanding that the Justice Department formally document the limits of an immunity settlement discussed during Blanche’s confirmation hearing.
The senators want written confirmation that the immunity would apply only to:
- Donald Trump
- His two sons
- The Trump Organization
They also want the agreement restricted solely to audits involving previously filed tax returns, ensuring it cannot later be interpreted more broadly.
Cornyn believes placing these conditions in writing would provide greater legal clarity and prevent future expansion of the settlement.
John Cornyn Takes a More Independent Stand
The development marks a notable shift for John Cornyn, who had long been regarded as one of Trump’s reliable Republican allies.
After losing his Republican primary election to a Trump-backed challenger, Cornyn has adopted a more independent stance in the Senate. With no upcoming re-election campaign, he has increasingly challenged the administration on key issues.
The Texas senator has suggested that concerns surrounding the immunity agreement extend beyond himself and Tillis, claiming several other Republican lawmakers privately share similar reservations.
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Other Republican Senators Voice Similar Concerns
While Cornyn has emerged as the most visible critic, he is not alone.
Republican Senators including Lisa Murkowski, Bill Cassidy, and John Curtis have also expressed support for tightening the proposed immunity agreement.
Murkowski revealed that she raised similar concerns directly with Blanche, while Cassidy and Curtis have indicated they favour stronger legal safeguards before approving the nomination.
Their backing suggests the issue may have broader support within the Republican conference than initially expected.
Trump Faces Another Senate Test
The delay comes during a period of growing friction between the Trump administration and several Republican senators.
Earlier this month, Cornyn also used his influence to delay ambassadorial nominations until the administration released congressionally approved funding for HIV prevention programmes. That dispute was eventually resolved after negotiations.
His latest intervention highlights the influence departing senators can still wield in a closely divided Senate, particularly when Cabinet appointments require committee approval before reaching the Senate floor.
For now, Todd Blanche’s nomination remains in limbo as discussions continue between the Justice Department and Senate Republicans over the requested written guarantees.
Whether the administration agrees to the senators’ conditions could determine how quickly Trump’s attorney general nominee moves forward in the confirmation process.
