local
Blanche confronts skeptical questioning of fund, tax deal for Trump at Senate confirmation hearing
By Eric Tucker And Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 15, 2026
· 7 min read
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confronted skeptical questioning at a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday about the creation of a fund to compensate allies of President Donald Trump and a tax immunity deal for the president as he aimed to lock down the Republican support needed to advance ...
Key takeaway 776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which was scrapped after fierce bipartisan backlash, was “not moving forward.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The confirmation hearing of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has significant implications for Texas, particularly given the crucial role of Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the nomination process. As a key vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Cornyn's decision will be closely watched by Texans who are eager to see how their senator will balance party loyalty with his commitment to the state's interests. The fact that more than 1,200 department alumni have come out against Blanche's nomination suggests a deep-seated concern about the direction of the Justice Department, which could resonate with Cornyn's constituents. As the hearing unfolds, Texans will be looking to see whether Cornyn will prioritize the concerns of his fellow Republicans or take a more independent stance, potentially influencing the outcome of the nomination and the future of the Justice Department. Cornyn's vote could be a decisive factor in Blanche's confirmation.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confronted skeptical questioning at a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday about the creation of a fund to compensate allies of President Donald Trump and a tax immunity deal for the president as he aimed to lock down the Republican support needed to advance ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eric Tucker And Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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