Justice Department moves to indict Comey as Trump appointee oversees probe
DOJ moves to indict Comey; Trump appointee diGenova to oversee probe.
Event / Politics
Todd Blanche Attorney General Confirmation
Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, advances through Senate confirmation process as Attorney General with deals addressing Republican demands on IRS settlement and tax audit immunity, while Democrats raise enforceability concerns.
1 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-13 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 Aug, 02:48 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Trump threatens to withdraw Blanche nomination and leave him in acting role
Trump threatened on July 30 to withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination for permanent Attorney General and leave him serving in the acting role until January 3 when Cornyn and Tillis's Senate terms expire, when Trump could attempt to renominate Blanche without their opposition.
Senator Tillis blames Trump's personal adviser for settlement dispute
Senator Thom Tillis stated that Blanche's confirmation has been delayed only because "an incompetent personal advisor to the President refuses to amend the bogus settlement," laying blame on Trump's adviser rather than Trump himself or Blanche. Tillis praised Blanche as "forthright, thoughtful and patient."
Trump attacks Senator Cornyn on social media over fund opposition
Trump posted on Truth Social attacking Senator John Cornyn, suggesting the senator opposed the anti-weaponization fund only after Trump endorsed Cornyn's primary opponent Ken Paxton in May. Trump implied Cornyn's objections were motivated by political revenge rather than policy concerns.
Senate Judiciary Committee cancels vote on Blanche nomination
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley canceled a planned vote to advance Todd Blanche's nomination to Attorney General, postponing action as Cornyn and Tillis continued to express concerns about the IRS settlement and anti-weaponization fund. The committee was scheduled to resume consideration of the nomination after resolving outstanding issues.
Senator Lisa Murkowski expresses concerns about settlement and fund
Senator Lisa Murkowski stated she has concerns about both the anti-weaponization fund and the IRS tax settlement agreement, seeking reassurances before supporting Blanche's nomination. She asked what steps could be taken to narrow the scope of the IRS settlement and confirm the anti-weaponization fund is truly eliminated.
Blanche testifies fund is dead during Senate confirmation hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 2 that the Trump administration was abandoning plans for the anti-weaponization fund, stating "We are not moving forward with the fund, period." However, the administration has not issued formal written confirmation of this commitment.
Trump defends $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund for Jan. 6 defendants
President Donald Trump defended his administration's controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" designed to compensate people harmed by government actions, including individuals affected by Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot prosecutions. Trump stated the fund was "dead, but I wish it weren't" and argued that victims of government abuse should be compensated, saying "people were horribly treated, horribly abused."
Republican senators block Todd Blanche attorney general confirmation over settlement concerns
Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina withheld support for Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General, citing concerns about a $1.8 billion IRS tax settlement that granted Trump immunity from audits and established the controversial anti-weaponization fund. Both senators demanded written assurances that the fund would be eliminated and the audit immunity narrowed before they would support the nomination.
Senator Bill Cassidy expresses concerns about Justice Department weaponization
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Trump-opposed incumbent who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, expressed concerns about weaponization of the Justice Department and suggested there may be a need for a different nominee if adequate answers are not provided on this issue.
Federal judge voids Trump-IRS settlement and blocks anti-weaponization fund
A federal judge voided the IRS settlement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service and blocked the establishment of the anti-weaponization fund, striking down the legal authority for the $1.8 billion compensation program.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Blanche dismantles anti-weaponization fund after assuming attorney general role
Acting AG Blanche dismantles anti-weaponization fund after assuming office.
Senate panel advances Blanche after GOP deal on tax immunity limits
Senate panel advances Blanche after GOP senators secure tax immunity limits and weaponization fund deal.
Blanche formally rescinds Trump's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund
Blanche formally rescinds anti-weaponization fund despite Trump's continued stated support.
Republican senators reach agreement on Blanche nomination after weeks of talks
Republican senators reach agreement on Blanche nomination; Judiciary Committee votes Tuesday.
Blanche's legal defense of Trump shaped path to attorney general
Blanche defended Trump as trial attorney, shaping his path to attorney general nomination.
Federal judge blocks anti-weaponization fund indefinitely
Federal court blocks anti-weaponization fund indefinitely as senator criticizes Trump's revival effort.
Trump primary challenges reshape Republican Senate landscape
Trump primary challenges ousted or pressured two Republican senators opposed to Blanche's nomination.
Trump threatens acting AG role as Blanche confirmation faces standoff
Trump escalates Blanche standoff by threatening acting AG role if Senate blocks confirmation.
Court blocks anti-weaponization fund; Blanche confirms it's dead
Federal court blocks Trump's $1.8B anti-weaponization fund; Blanche confirms it's dead.
Blanche confirmation stalls as Republicans raise settlement concerns
Blanche attorney general confirmation stalled over settlement concerns and Republican opposition.