Senate Judiciary Committee advances Blanche's nomination for attorney general

Updated on: August 4, 2026 / 11:06 PM EDT / CBS News

Senate Judiciary Committee advances Blanche's nomination for attorney general

TL;DR

  • The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
  • Concerns from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis about a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund and President Trump's tax audit immunity deal were addressed by Blanche issuing a new order.
  • The new order rescinded the 'anti-weaponization' fund and clarified that the immunity applies only to specific past tax returns and individuals, satisfying Cornyn and Tillis.
  • Senator Susan Collins has stated she will vote no, citing concerns about the Justice Department becoming 'increasingly political'.
  • Democrats, led by Senator Dick Durbin, oppose Blanche's nomination, accusing him of attempting to replace officials with 'MAGA loyalists' and questioning the enforceability of his new orders.
  • Blanche previously served as acting attorney general and was scrutinized over the handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and his meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell.