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Thune Comments on Confirmation Hearings for Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 9 sources

Senator Thune expressed optimism about the confirmation prospects of Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton. Blanche was recently involved in a controversy over a proposed DOJ fund.

Senator John Thune stated that Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton are likely to fare well in their upcoming confirmation hearings. Thune's comments come after Blanche was at the center of a Republican backlash against a proposed $1.776 billion DOJ weaponization fund, which has since been scrapped.

The controversy surrounding the fund led to a significant divide among Republicans, with some expressing strong opposition to the proposal. Despite this, Thune believes that Blanche and Clayton are 'in pretty good shape' ahead of their hearings.

The confirmation hearings are expected to be contentious, with several lawmakers already expressing concerns about the nominees. However, Thune's comments suggest that he is confident in their ability to navigate the process successfully.

Go Deeper

What was the proposed DOJ fund for?

The proposed $1.776 billion DOJ fund was intended for weaponization, but its specific purposes and details were not widely disclosed before it was scrapped.

Why was the fund controversial?

The fund was controversial because it led to a divide among Republicans, with some strongly opposing the proposal and others supporting it.

What are the next steps for Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton?

The next steps for Blanche and Clayton are their confirmation hearings, where they will face questions from lawmakers before a vote is held on their nominations.

What did Senator Thune mean by saying they are 'in pretty good shape'?

By saying Blanche and Clayton are 'in pretty good shape', Senator Thune meant that he believes they have a good chance of being confirmed despite the expected contentious hearings.

How might the recent controversy affect Blanche's confirmation?

The recent controversy surrounding the proposed DOJ fund could potentially impact Blanche's confirmation, but Senator Thune's comments suggest that he does not think it will significantly harm his chances.