Republican senators demand written guarantees on Trump IRS settlement deal

Two Republican senators have blocked a confirmation vote for Todd Blanche as attorney general. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis said they would not support Blanche unless the Justice Department gave written guarantees about a deal between Trump and the IRS. That deal included a fund worth $1.8 billion and protected Trump, his sons, and his businesses from IRS tax audits. Blanche said the fund was "dead," but admitted the agreement was still legally binding. The Justice Department did not provide the written commitment the senators wanted. The confirmation vote was cancelled. Trump has suggested he may withdraw Blanche's nomination. The dispute has revealed disagreement within the Republican Party over the terms of Trump's IRS settlement.