Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday formally rescinded key aspects of the Justice Department’s controversial legal settlement with President Donald Trump, a move toward breaking a dayslong impasse with Senate Republicans that had threatened to sink Blanche’s chances of being confirmed to the post.
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In a social media post, Blanche highlighted two amendments to the deal the Justice Department struck in May to resolve Trump’s claims against the IRS. The first formally eliminated the proposed nearly $1.8 billion fund for people who claim they were victims of politicized prosecutions, codifying in writing a pledge Blanche had previously made in sworn testimony.
The second change clarified a separate aspect of the deal that offered Trump, his sons and their affiliated business protections from past tax claims. The revised documents made clear that that protection would only apply retroactively and would not shield the Trumps from future audits.
Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), both of whom are leaving the Senate after this year, had demanded changes and threatened to vote against Blanche’s nomination if their concerns were not addressed. A “no” vote from either one of them would have been enough to stop the nomination at the committee stage.
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“My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,” Blanche said late Sunday in his social media post. “We have enjoyed good faith discussions … The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress.”
The announcement of a deal came only a day after Trump signaled he still wanted to see the payout fund established, and threatened to back legislation to create it.
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A White House spokesperson did not immediately return requests for comment
This is a developing story and will be updated.
