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2026-07-15 13:52:11
[Cornin expresses “concern” over Acting Attorney General Branch’s involvement in Trump’s tax settlement; judge criticizes him as “complicity”] (1) Senator John Cornyn, a key Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he was “concerned” about Acting Attorney General Alan Branch’s role in facilitating the settlement between Trump and the IRS that aims to protect Trump and his family from audits for years to come. A federal judge has issued a stern order criticizing Branch’s involvement. (2) In a 56-page ruling, Judge Williams stated that the lawsuit was essentially an “attempt to use the courts to legitimize an exemption agreement” and referred the litigator’s lawyers to disciplinary review. He also shared his opinion with the New York Bar Association for an assessment of Branch’s role. As part of the settlement, the Justice Department proposed a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” while Trump withdrew a $10 billion lawsuit in exchange for exemptions from past audits. (3) Cornyn will question Branch about this matter and the “anti-weaponization fund” at his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. With Republicans holding only 12 seats on the committee (compared to 10 for Democrats), Blanche's nomination could be blocked at the committee level if a Republican defectes and all Democrats vote against it; Cornyn's vote is crucial.
