Senators Cornyn and Tillis Force Delay of Blanche Nomination Over Trump’s IRS Deal
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-29 20:37:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Dismisses GOP Senator’s Concerns Over Controversial IRS Settlement Deal
President Trump brushed aside Senator John Cornyn’s objections to a controversial tax provision at the center of Todd Blanche’s stalled attorney general nomination, suggesting Cornyn’s resistance was personal rather than substantive. “I don’t know, maybe John Cornyn is upset with me because I didn’t endorse him,” Trump said to reporters at the Oval Office. “I don’t know what it is, but I haven’t heard that there’s a problem.”
The dispute centers on a settlement deal Blanche negotiated to resolve Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS. While Blanche agreed to drop a proposed $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of Biden-era Justice Department actions, he insisted on keeping a provision that would shield Trump and his family from tax investigations. This audit shield has become the main sticking point, with Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis threatening to block Blanche’s nomination unless the administration provides written guarantees limiting the scope of the deal.
Cornyn, who lost a primary to a Trump-backed challenger, rejected Trump’s claim that his opposition was motivated by personal grievances, calling it “a convenient excuse and it happens to be untrue.” He has demanded clear assurances that the audit shield will not extend to future tax liabilities or a broader group of people, warning that the provision could result in a $100 million windfall for Trump and his family.
Despite ongoing negotiations and mounting pressure, there is no indication that Trump or his administration are willing to concede on the audit protection. The episode highlights how Trump’s personal financial interests continue to shape high-level government decisions, raising concerns among both Democrats and Republicans about conflicts of interest and the integrity of the Justice Department.
As the confirmation process remains in limbo, the controversy underscores a defining feature of Trump’s second term: the intertwining of presidential power with personal benefit, and the willingness to dismiss or disparage critics—even within his own party—when challenged on ethical grounds.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/29/us/politics/todd-blanche-senate-vote-irs.html