Republican senators block Trump-linked IRS settlement fund amid fierce party clash

Todd Blanche’s bid to become U.S. attorney general stalled after Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanded that a controversial IRS settlement fund be officially ended. The fund, tied to a settlement of Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, was designed to provide financial benefits to supporters of the January 6 attack and to grant tax immunity to Trump and his family. Cornyn and Tillis have tied their support for Blanche to a written guarantee that the fund will not move forward.

In retaliation, Trump launched an explosive post on Truth Social, denouncing the senators and claiming the fund rewards “victims” of government weaponization. The episode underscores a broader rift in the GOP, with some senators also breaking with Trump on the Iran war-powers resolution, while Trump continues to leverage primary endorsements to enforce his agenda. Analysts suggest the dispute could signal limits to Trump’s control over the party as the midterm election approaches.