President Donald J. Trump, joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Physicist John M. Martinis, Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, OMB Director Russ Vought, and others, delivers remarks after signing an executive order on quantum computing in the Oval Office, Monday, June 22, 2026. (Official White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
Two Republican U.S. senators who’ve emerged as opponents of President Trump have blocked the approval of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for the permanent position – though the commander in chief says he’d likely do the same were he in their position.
Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, have expressed their opposition to Trump’s Weaponization Fund, meant to compensate people politically targeted by Democratic administrations, such as the defendants related to the January 6 Capitol melee.
At a Camp David Cabinet meeting Friday morning, Trump admitted that the idea for the fund was “dead” and pinned the senators’ opposition, at least in the case of Cornyn, to his endorsement of his opponent in the GOP primary, Ken Paxton.
Speaking of those targeted, Trump said, “I’d like to see them compensated for the pain. They lost their families. Many people committed suicide.”
Trump referred to Cornyn’s apparent bitterness, without using his name: “I understand that. … You want to know the truth? I’d probably do the same thing” – i.e., oppose Trump at every turn.
Blanche is now unlikely to be confirmed before the Senate leaves town next week for its five-week summer recess. The chamber is not slated to return to session until after Labor Day.
Reports are that Trump may withdraw the nomination and install a different acting attorney general.
Excellent video! Trump continues to support the January 6th victims. Love this man!! ?ﾟﾇﾸ pic.twitter.com/ZZIygZSyZs
— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) July 31, 2026