'A convenient excuse': Cornyn rebukes Trump after he links Blanche opposition to endorsement snub

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Wednesday, July 29, suggested Senator John Cornyn's opposition to Acting Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche may be tied to his disappointment over not receiving the president's endorsement in the Texas Republican Senate primary.

Cornyn quickly rejected the claim, calling Trump's explanation "a convenient excuse" and insisting his opposition is instead centered on the Justice Department's proposed settlement. The Texas Republican has maintained that he cannot support advancing Blanche's nomination unless the DOJ revises the agreement to permanently eliminate the proposed "Anti-Weaponization Fund."

Trump links Todd Blanche opposition to Texas endorsement dispute

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump downplayed concerns that Blanche's nomination was in jeopardy.

"I don't know what it is, but I haven't heard that there's a problem. I've heard he's going through quite nicely," Trump said, calling Blanche "outstanding" and adding, "You just wouldn't find a better person."

The president then speculated about Cornyn's position.

"Maybe John Cornyn's upset with me because I didn't endorse him," Trump said, referring to his endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Cornyn in this year's Republican Senate primary. Paxton went on to defeat Cornyn in the GOP contest.

Cornyn has repeatedly stated that he cannot support Blanche's nomination until the Justice Department formally revises its settlement with Trump to eliminate the proposed "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and narrow provisions concerning future tax audit protections.

John Cornyn says DOJ settlement drives Blanche opposition

Responding to Trump's remarks, Cornyn rejected the president's explanation.

"That's a convenient excuse," the Texas senator told reporters. "It happens to be untrue."

Cornyn said his objections relate to Blanche's sworn testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, during which the nominee stated the proposed "Anti-Weaponization Fund" would not move forward.

The senator has argued that while Blanche made that commitment during testimony, the written settlement has not been amended to permanently eliminate the fund or clarify the scope of protections granted under the agreement.

"All I want them to do is confirm what he said in his sworn testimony," Cornyn said earlier, adding that he has submitted proposed revisions to the Justice Department.

The DOJ said it had provided Cornyn's office with a written proposal addressing his concerns and remained engaged in discussions. However, Cornyn maintained the response was not fully satisfactory.

As all Democrats are expected to oppose Blanche's nomination, Republican defections on the Senate Judiciary Committee could prevent it from advancing.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has also raised concerns about the settlement, prompting committee leaders to postpone the Thursday, July 30, confirmation vote while efforts continue to secure enough Republican support.