Blanche rescinds Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund amid AG confirmation threat

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially terminated the Trump administration's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund," a decision made just before his confirmation vote for Attorney General. The move comes after weeks of intense negotiations and pressure from Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had threatened to block Blanche's nomination without a written assurance that the fund would be abandoned. Critics had broadly condemned the fund, which was intended to compensate former President Trump's political allies who claimed to be victims of political prosecutions, with some labeling it a "slush fund".

Blanche had previously indicated in June that the fund would not proceed due to bipartisan concerns, including the potential for payouts to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. However, Senators Cornyn and Tillis insisted on a formal, written order, especially given former President Trump's continued public support for the fund and threats to reinstate it if Blanche's nomination failed. The Justice Department's order explicitly states that the May 18, 2026, order establishing the fund is rescinded and holds no force or effect, clarifying that no members were appointed, no funds transferred, and no claims paid.

This formal rescission aims to clear the path for Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General, addressing a key impasse that had jeopardized his appointment. The fund originated from a settlement between former President Trump and the Justice Department concerning his lawsuit against the IRS over alleged mishandling of his tax records.