Thune Says Blanche and Clayton Confirmations on Track Despite Some Republican Concerns

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said confirmation meetings for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton are proceeding well ahead of hearings set for Wednesday. Thune told the New York Post that readouts from the meetings have been strong and that both nominees should be in good shape barring unforeseen developments at the hearings.

He expects to move their confirmations before the August break.

Thune noted that some Republican senators, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas, had previously expressed reservations about Blanche related to a since-scrapped $1.776 billion Justice Department fund. He said those lawmakers were now having very good conversations with Blanche.

Thune added that both nominees are likely to receive party-line votes with no Democratic support.

Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April 2, 2026, when President Trump elevated him from deputy attorney general after firing Pam Bondi. Trump later nominated Blanche, his former personal attorney, to the permanent Cabinet post. Clayton previously served as Securities and Exchange Commission chairman after Senate confirmation in 2017.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said Tuesday that police unions representing more than 670,000 officers, 300 angel families, and 100 bipartisan former Justice Department officials have written letters supporting Blanche. Republicans have invited former Attorney General John Ashcroft, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association President John Adler, and Jennifer Bos to testify in support.