Trump Criticizes Senator Tillis Over Attorney General Nominee Stand

President Donald Trump criticized Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina last Friday regarding Tillis’ stance on nominating acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for the permanent position. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “Senator Tillis is a loser. That’s why he didn’t run. He didn’t run because I wouldn’t support him. And he’s just an angry man because he’s not going to be a senator any longer. He wasn’t respected in the Senate.”

Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and whose vote could be crucial to Blanche’s confirmation, has stated that he will oppose any nominee for attorney general who appears to justify or downplay the violence against law enforcement during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He emphasized the importance of this stance for any candidate appearing before the Judiciary Committee. Tillis added that removing the “issue” of the anti-weaponization fund could improve Blanche’s chances in the Senate confirmation process.

“The key for Todd, or anybody going through judiciary committee, is being pretty tight on January the 6. They better not have said for one minute that the people that beat up police officers, like these right down here, were righteous people. You come even close to saying that, you don’t have a [chance] of getting my vote in judiciary,” said Tillis.

Newsweek contacted Tillis’ office via email for comment.

Concerns Over Nominee Blanche

The nomination of Todd Blanche raised concerns among some lawmakers as he previously represented Trump in several high-profile cases before joining the administration. The White House has defended Blanche, highlighting him as a loyal and effective leader. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson supported Blanche, saying he has excelled as acting Attorney General and describing him as an American patriot.

“Todd Blanche has done an excellent job as acting Attorney General and will continue doing so as Attorney General. President Trump has a great relationship with Todd and is very pleased with the job he’s done so far. Todd Blanche is an American patriot who fearlessly fought on behalf of President Trump against the Democrats’ illegal and unprecedented lawfare campaign. The President’s entire team at the Department of Justice is doing a great job advocating for sanity, law and order, and policies that keep Americans safe,” Jackson said.

Blanche has been the acting attorney general since April, following Pam Bondi’s dismissal. Trump further criticized Tillis, labeling him as a “loser” and “stone cold,” asserting that Tillis quit the Senate because Trump did not support him.

“Todd Blanche is a brilliant guy who everybody likes, and everybody respects,” Trump said, praising Blanche’s capabilities.

Confirmation Challenge

The confirmation of Blanche could test Trump’s influence over Senate Republicans, given their slim majority. Defections could complicate the nomination process. The debate is expected to address Blanche’s qualifications and the broader concerns over the connection between the White House and the Justice Department during Trump’s administration. There will likely be discussions about the “anti-weaponization” fund, which was intended to compensate those allegedly unfairly targeted by the government but faced bipartisan opposition.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota noted the uncertainties surrounding Blanche’s confirmation. “Most of our members are pretty deferential to who the president wants in some of those key positions. And he’s obviously serving in the role already and clearly has experience in it. So, that’ll serve him well,” Thune remarked.

Furthermore, Texas Senator John Cornyn, a Republican, remains undecided on supporting Blanche. Cornyn emphasized the dual role of the Attorney General, stating that as a cabinet member and chief law enforcement officer, they are not the president’s personal lawyer. This perspective will guide his questioning during the confirmation hearings.