President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw his own Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche from consideration rather than negotiate with two Republican senators blocking the confirmation. The president declared he would rather keep Blanche as acting Attorney General until both senators leave office than make concessions on a controversial tax settlement.

Senate Showdown Over Tax Deal

Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina halted Blanche’s confirmation hearing Wednesday night, demanding changes to a settlement between the IRS and Trump’s family. The duo wants permanent elimination of a nearly two billion dollar anti-weaponization fund and removal of audit immunity provisions Trump secured in the deal. Without their support on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche cannot advance to a full Senate vote.

Trump fired back on Truth Social Thursday morning, calling Blanche a star with potential to become one of the greatest Attorneys General in history. He noted both senators voted to confirm Merrick Garland under the previous administration. The president reminded followers he refused to endorse Cornyn’s reelection bid, backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton instead. Tillis retired voluntarily after disagreements over Trump’s legislative agenda.

Cornyn Fires Back

Senator Cornyn dismissed Trump’s threat immediately, posting on social media that concerns about the tax settlement extend far beyond just him and Tillis. The Texas senator suggested broader Republican skepticism exists about the provisions Trump negotiated. Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley postponed Thursday’s scheduled confirmation hearing as negotiations continue. So far, the two holdout senators have not received the specific commitments they demand regarding the tax agreement.

What Happens Next

Trump could leave Blanche in the acting Attorney General position indefinitely, similar to how President Joe Biden kept Julie Su as acting Labor Secretary from 2023 through the end of his term. However, waiting until next year offers no guarantee of easier confirmation. Republicans face more competitive Senate races than Democrats in the next election cycle, potentially making future confirmation votes equally challenging. The standoff highlights growing tensions between Trump and Republican senators willing to challenge his nominations and policy priorities when their own political interests diverge from the president’s demands.