Cornyn Signals He May Block Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington, Sen. John Cornyn said he is not prepared to vote yes on Todd Blanche's nomination to be attorney general.^[1]

Cornyn canceled a scheduled July 29 meeting after Blanche did not deliver written proposals to modify an IRS settlement in former President Donald Trump's tax dispute.^[1] Cornyn is demanding proof that the so-called "anti-weaponization" fund is dead and that immunity provisions for Trump and his family are narrowed.^[1] Sen. Chuck Grassley asked Cornyn to decide his position by 4 p.m. Eastern on July 29 ahead of a July 30 Senate Judiciary Committee vote.^[1] Sen. Thom Tillis has indicated he could also oppose Blanche, and one GOP no vote could sink the nomination in committee.^[1]

Blanche had been expected to produce written changes to the IRS settlement, and his failure to do so prompted Cornyn to cancel the meeting and press for clearer, written limits.^[1] His demands focus on narrowing any immunity language and on documentation that outside funding tied to an "anti-weaponization" effort will not be used to shield officials.^[1]

Cornyn's unresolved opposition leaves Blanche's chances unclear as senators weigh the nomination before the Senate Judiciary Committee vote set for Thursday, July 30.^[1]

1. MS NOW