Senate Republicans pump the brakes on Blanche AG nomination

Republicans are making clear that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche won’t have a cakewalk to Senate confirmation as members of the Judiciary Committee scrutinize everything from his Jan. 6 comments to his allegiance to President Donald Trump.

At least three members of the committee, tasked with vetting Justice Department nominees, are publicly undecided on whether to give Blanche a vote on the Senate floor. He was approved as deputy attorney general a year ago with unanimous Republican support, but the political climate has changed drastically since then.