We're About to Find Out Whether Republican Senators Can Still Say No

On Monday, two days before the Senate hearing to consider Todd Blanche's nomination to become the nation's chief law enforcement official, a federal judge strongly suggested that he may not even be fit to practice law.

Earlier this year, Mr. Blanche agreed to a settlement that resulted in tax audit immunity for President Trump and his family as well as a potential $1.8 billion payout fund controlled by his administration. It was an inside deal: Mr. Trump the citizen was on one side of the negotiation, while the Internal Revenue Service, which he oversees, was on the other. Judge Kathleen Williams of the Southern District of Florida said in her ruling on Monday that she was "extremely troubled" by Mr. Blanche's behavior. It was so egregious that she referred his actions to judicial officials in New York State for potential disciplinary action, including disbarment.