Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s chances of confirmation were derailed Wednesday, less than 24 hours before a pivotal vote in the Senate. The issue stems from concerns among Senators John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., regarding the settlement deal reached between the IRS and President Donald Trump and his family earlier this year.

Settlement Deal Controversy

The settlement deal has sparked controversy, particularly over the now-defunct, nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund and the president’s audit immunity. Republicans and Democrats alike have railed against the fund, citing concerns that the funding would go to people involved in the January 6, 2021, protests on Capitol Hill.

Trump’s audit immunity has also ruffled feathers. Blanche, in his announcement of the settlement deal earlier this year, outlined that, as part of the agreement, the IRS would not be allowed to audit Trump, his family, or affiliated companies.

Cornyn has proven the most resistant until his demands are met. He’s used his newfound freedom to extract concessions from the Trump administration in recent weeks. His push for an explicit end to the audit language in the settlement agreement is another such example.

Next Steps

Without a guarantee that Cornyn or Tillis would vote to confirm Blanche, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, opted to postpone the hearing until a later date. The DOJ had until 4 p.m. Wednesday to provide the lawmakers with written proposals to modify the settlement deal, but the agency fell short.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.