Story perspectives

Republicans Stall Todd Blanche Confirmation Amid Epstein Fallout

8/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he will not vote to confirm Todd Blanche after a poorly received meeting with Epstein survivors.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) signaled he may also withhold support for Blanche.
Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) delayed the Judiciary Committee vote to try to secure additional Republican votes.
The $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, which President Donald Trump called “dead” before hinting at revival, is further hurting Blanche’s confirmation prospects.

History

Historical Context

After Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, refused to hold hearings for President Obama’s 2016 Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland—letting the 293-day nomination expire—partisan obstruction became a norm. That precedent resurfaces as Senators Thom Tillis, John Cornyn and Chairman Chuck Grassley now delay Todd Blanche’s federal judgeship, echoing the same leverage over confirmations.

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Story summary

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he will not vote to confirm Todd Blanche after a poorly received meeting with Epstein survivors.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) signaled he may also withhold support for Blanche.
Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) delayed the Judiciary Committee vote to try to secure additional Republican votes.
The $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, which President Donald Trump called “dead” before hinting at revival, is further hurting Blanche’s confirmation prospects.

1 / 2