By Saqib S. Qureshi WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Thursday he is considering withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general and delaying it until Republican senators who are demanding concessions from the nominee are no longer in office.
Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed frustration over resistance within his own party, suggesting he would rather postpone filling the position than accept conditions attached to Blanche’s confirmation.
The dispute highlights growing tensions among Senate Republicans as some lawmakers seek commitments from Blanche on issues related to the Justice Department before agreeing to support his nomination.
Trump did not identify which senators he was referring to or specify what concessions they had requested. He also did not indicate when he would make a final decision on the nomination.
If Trump withdraws the nomination, the Justice Department would continue under its current acting leadership until a new nominee is selected or Blanche is renominated at a later date.
The confirmation battle comes as the administration seeks to advance key appointments while navigating a narrowly divided Senate, where internal Republican disagreements have complicated several high-profile nominations.