Cornyn Says Republicans Lack Power to Control Trump Amid Ongoing Funding Disputes

When the Senate Judiciary Committee moved to send Todd Blanche’s acting attorney-general nomination to the full Senate, Senator John Cornyn was queried about concerns over President Trump’s continued advocacy for paying January 6 participants. Cornyn responded that Republicans lack any mechanism to restrain the president, pointing out that the anti-weaponization fund Trump favors is already defunct. He reminded listeners of earlier instances where Republicans missed opportunities to limit Trump, including a compromised deal on a $1.776 billion slush fund and the recent rejection of a proposal to strip Trump of tax-audit immunity.

In June, the majority of Republicans voted against a Democratic measure to terminate the fund, and they have not endorsed the “Drain the Slush Fund Act.” Cornyn argued this pattern shows GOP members often acquiesce after the administration reaches out, despite initial objections.