Senator Thom Tillis, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has announced he will block Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General unless Blanche explicitly condemns January 6 protesters who assaulted Capitol police officers.

Senator Issues Ultimatum on Committee Vote

During a CNN interview Thursday, the North Carolina Republican made clear his position on Blanche’s confirmation prospects. Tillis stated that anyone who suggests violence against Capitol police officers was acceptable will not receive his vote in the Judiciary Committee. The senator argued that resolving the January 6 issue would actually improve Blanche’s confirmation chances by removing ammunition Democrats could use during hearings. Without addressing these concerns, Tillis warned, some Republican senators might oppose the nomination.

Tillis told the Washington Examiner that Blanche operates in dangerous territory because of past statements about January 6. The senator acknowledged Blanche’s credentials and experience as the president’s personal attorney but emphasized getting clarity on the January 6 matter remains his priority. He described the situation as black and white, stating either Blanche equivocated about harming Capitol police or he did not.

Previous Nomination Blocked Over Similar Concerns

This marks the second time Tillis has targeted a nominee over January 6 statements. He previously derailed Ed Martin’s nomination for D.C. U.S. Attorney based on Martin’s comments about the events of that day. Despite his hardline stance on this issue, Tillis expressed respect for Blanche and credited him with helping de-escalate tensions surrounding Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The senator’s willingness to block a fellow Republican’s nominee highlights deep divisions within the party over how to characterize January 6 and those involved.

Confirmation Path Faces Obstacles

Blanche faces a difficult path to confirmation with Tillis controlling the Judiciary Committee gatekeeper role. The committee chairman holds significant power to advance or stall nominations before they reach the full Senate floor. Tillis suggested that addressing the January 6 concerns would make Blanche’s confirmation more likely by preventing Democrats from exploiting the issue during hearings. The senator indicated he will conduct due diligence to determine exactly what Blanche has said about January 6 protesters and whether those statements disqualify him from leading the Justice Department.