Anti-Trump Republican Warms Up To His AG
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) says he is currently leaning toward supporting acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to become the nation’s next attorney general, but the Republican senator made it clear that his vote is not guaranteed.
Appearing Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union, Tillis said he has a favorable opinion of Blanche heading into the Senate confirmation process. However, he stressed that maintaining the Department of Justice’s independence will be one of the most important issues lawmakers examine during the upcoming hearings.
Blanche is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15 and 16 as senators consider whether to confirm him as the permanent head of the Justice Department.
“I go into this process with a positive view of Todd Blanche,” Tillis said. “But every nominee has to earn confirmation.”
Blanche Faces Key Questions During Senate Confirmation
Blanche, a former personal attorney for President Donald Trump, has served as acting attorney general since April after Trump removed former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
His nomination is expected to draw intense scrutiny from both Republicans and Democrats, with questions likely focusing on the Department of Justice’s independence, politically sensitive investigations, and the agency’s priorities under the Trump administration.
Tillis said Blanche deserves a fair confirmation process but emphasized that the Justice Department must enforce the law without political influence.
“If I get even the slightest indication that the Department of Justice won’t operate independently, that absolutely could affect my vote,” Tillis said.
Tillis Points to Powell Investigation
The North Carolina senator also credited Blanche with helping bring an end to the Justice Department’s criminal investigation involving former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Earlier this year, Tillis delayed the confirmation of Powell’s successor, Kevin Warsh, while that investigation remained active. After the probe concluded, Warsh’s nomination moved forward.
According to Tillis, Blanche played an important role in resolving that matter.
Jan. 6 Fund Remains a Concern
Another issue Tillis wants resolved before the confirmation vote involves the Justice Department’s now-abandoned “anti-weaponization” fund.
The Republican senator has repeatedly criticized the proposal, arguing that it raised concerns about whether taxpayer dollars could eventually benefit individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Although the Trump administration has said the proposal will not move forward, Tillis wants that decision permanently settled before the Senate acts on Blanche’s nomination.
“The president, the acting attorney general, and others have all said the program is no longer moving forward,” Tillis said. “Now let’s make sure it’s permanently off the table.”
January 6 Position Still Matters
Following Pam Bondi’s departure earlier this year, Tillis stated that he would oppose any attorney general nominee who failed to provide clear answers regarding the January 6 Capitol riot and related prosecutions.
That position remains unchanged as Blanche prepares to face senators next month.
Productive Meeting Before Hearings
Tillis met privately with Blanche on Thursday ahead of the confirmation hearings.
Afterward, the senator described the discussion as productive, saying he appreciated the opportunity to hear Blanche outline his vision for the Department of Justice and discuss the work ahead if confirmed.
On Sunday, Tillis again praised Blanche as a “very competent attorney” but reiterated that unresolved concerns surrounding the abandoned fund should be addressed before the nomination advances.
Senate Vote Could Be Closely Watched
With Republicans closely examining the nomination, Blanche’s confirmation hearings are expected to receive significant attention in Washington. Lawmakers are likely to focus on Justice Department independence, the handling of politically sensitive investigations, January 6 cases, and the Trump administration’s broader law enforcement agenda.
While Tillis appears inclined to support Blanche, the North Carolina senator made clear that his final decision will depend on what emerges during the confirmation process and whether the administration follows through on its commitment to preserve an independent Department of Justice.
