Senator Cassidy Criticizes IRS Protections for Trump during AG Confirmation

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy expressed strong opposition to special Internal Revenue Service (IRS) protections for President Donald Trump and his family, calling them “totally wrong.” These protections almost led him to vote against Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general. Despite his concerns, the Louisiana Republican ultimately voted to support Blanche, Trump’s former defense attorney, after thorough scrutiny.

Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Cassidy shared how close he came to rejecting the nominee, saying the issue “frankly, almost weighed to vote no.” Blanche’s confirmation faced a narrow Senate vote, ending 50-49. With GOP Senator Mitch McConnell absent due to medical reasons, Cassidy’s decision was crucial in breaking the deadlock.

“I am realistic that President Trump can be unrelenting,” Cassidy stated, noting that a Senate-confirmed attorney general would have more authority to resist pressure than an acting official. “I’ll be criticized for this vote. What’s new? But the people of Louisiana can be assured that I worked hard to understand the issue and to make the right decision,” he added.

Cassidy’s comments offer insight into the internal debate of a GOP senator questioning a Trump-backed nominee. His concerns centered on language restricting IRS scrutiny for Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization. “That’s totally wrong,” Cassidy remarked. “No American should be targeted by the law, but no American should be above the law.” Cassidy was considered a potential GOP holdout.

While Democrats contended Blanche’s changes were unenforceable, Cassidy, having lost his primary to a Trump-endorsed challenger, ultimately concluded that other factors outweighed his objections. He described the decision as “a gradation of gray,” indicating valid points existed on both sides. The only two Republican senators voting “no” were Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.

Blanche had been acting attorney general since Pam Bondi’s removal in April, a move announced by Trump after frustration over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Concessions From Blanche and Support From Prosecutors

Before the vote, Blanche addressed congressional concerns by rescinding an order establishing an anti-weaponization fund and issuing a statement to limit Trump-related IRS protections. Despite lingering worries about tax provisions, Cassidy said positive feedback from federal prosecutors in Louisiana reinforced his belief in Blanche’s ability to lead the Justice Department.

Prosecutors praised improved accountability and focus on violent crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and healthcare fraud, along with increased support for major investigations. “There’s a lot of positive things to say about Todd Blanche,” Cassidy said, underscoring the need for stable agency leadership. When asked if Blanche would uphold the U.S. Constitution and oversee elections fairly, Cassidy replied, “I cannot predict the future, and this is not a black or white decision. But I’m confident on that.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Newsweek: “Todd Blanche’s confirmation is a huge win for President Trump and our country. Todd is going to be a phenomenal Attorney General of the United States. The American people will be well served by his unwavering commitment to law and order.”

What Was the Anti-Weaponization Fund?

Blanche faced a significant obstacle during his confirmation over the Justice Department’s proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” a $1.8 billion program created through a settlement of a lawsuit Trump brought against the IRS and Treasury Department. While designed to compensate individuals claiming political targeting, critics feared the fund might benefit Trump supporters and potentially participants in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.

The proposal met bipartisan resistance, with Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina threatening to block Blanche’s nomination unless the fund was terminated and audit protections reduced. In response, Blanche rescinded the fund, declaring it had “no force or effect,” with no money distributed and no claims process established.

This article’s content was reported by Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray for Newsweek.