House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan blasted fellow Republicans on Sunday for blocking the Senate confirmation of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, calling the delay absurd and harmful to the Justice Department.

Jordan's criticism came after the Senate Judiciary Committee canceled a scheduled vote on Blanche's nomination, with two GOP senators refusing to advance the nominee over unresolved concerns about a Department of Justice settlement involving President Trump's tax lawsuit.

GOP Holdouts Dig In

Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have thrown Blanche's confirmation into serious doubt by withholding their support on the committee. Both senators sit on the Judiciary panel, where their votes are critical to moving the nomination forward.

Cornyn and Tillis are demanding clarification on the terms of a settlement between the Trump administration and the IRS over a tax dispute. The senators want assurances that the deal does not create conflicts of interest for Blanche, who would oversee the Justice Department as attorney general.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa postponed Thursday's scheduled committee vote after daylong negotiations failed to produce a compromise. Cornyn posted on social media that Trump is mistaken if he believes concerns are limited to just two senators, suggesting broader unease among Republicans.

Jordan Defends Nominee

Speaking to reporters, Jordan said the Senate's foot-dragging on an outstanding nominee makes no sense. He praised Blanche as a star attorney who loves the country and the Department of Justice, echoing President Trump's frequent endorsements of his pick.

Jordan argued that Blanche has earned the promotion to attorney general and deserves a swift confirmation vote. The House Judiciary chair framed the delay as Senate dysfunction rather than legitimate concerns about the nominee's qualifications.

President Trump himself weighed in, floating the idea of pulling Blanche's nomination and waiting until Cornyn and Tillis leave office before resubmitting it. The threat underscores Trump's frustration with Republican resistance to one of his key Cabinet appointments.

Blanche's Background

Todd Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April 2026, following his nomination by President Trump. A former prosecutor, Blanche gained national prominence representing Trump in various legal matters before being tapped to lead the Justice Department.

The White House has pushed for rapid confirmation, with official statements declaring that Blanche should be confirmed without delay. Supporters argue his legal acumen and loyalty to Trump's vision for the Justice Department make him the right choice to lead the agency permanently.

For now, Blanche remains in acting status while the standoff between Trump, Jordan, and GOP holdouts plays out. The canceled committee vote leaves no clear timeline for when the nomination might advance, prolonging uncertainty at the top of the Justice Department.

Whether Cornyn and Tillis ultimately cave to pressure from Trump and Jordan, or whether the president makes good on his threat to withdraw the nomination, will determine if Blanche ever escapes acting status and becomes the confirmed attorney general.