Story perspectives

Cornyn Withholds AG Vote; Judge Bars Settlement, Minnesota Fraud Charged

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) has withheld his vote on Todd Blanche (acting U.S. Attorney General)’s attorney-general nomination because questions remain about the $1.8 billion fund.
District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled the IRS settlement collusive, barred its use, and referred Blanche and President Donald Trump’s lawyer to bars for ethics violations.
The Justice Department announced charges against 15 Minnesota defendants in May for fraud schemes that misused over $90 million in taxpayer funds.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 appointment of Archibald Cox as Watergate special prosecutor and Attorney General Elliot Richardson’s October 20 1973 resignation during the “Saturday Night Massacre” set a precedent for congressional scrutiny of Justice Department conduct. That episode, which helped precipitate President Nixon’s 1974 resignation, is cited today as lawmakers like Senator John Cornyn invoke to pressure pending attorney-general nominees.

1 of 2

Story summary

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) has withheld his vote on Todd Blanche (acting U.S. Attorney General)’s attorney-general nomination because questions remain about the $1.8 billion fund.
District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled the IRS settlement collusive, barred its use, and referred Blanche and President Donald Trump’s lawyer to bars for ethics violations.
The Justice Department announced charges against 15 Minnesota defendants in May for fraud schemes that misused over $90 million in taxpayer funds.

1 / 2