Acting attorney general issues order rescinding "anti-weaponization fund"

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate allies of President Trump who claimed political persecution. The order, issued Sunday evening, eliminates the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and states it shall have no force or effect.

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The Attorney General's May 18, 2026 Order establishing the Anti-WeaponizationFund ("Fund") is rescinded and shall have no force or effect.

The move comes after Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn threatened to block Blanche's confirmation as the permanent head of the Justice Department. They demanded written assurance that Trump would not pursue the fund, which was announced in May as part of a settlement related to Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department.

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For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Order is intended to contradict or otherwise be contrary to prior representations by the Department of Justice that the Fund is not operative. No Members were appointed; no funds were transferred; no process for receiving claims was established; no claims were paid. Nevertheless, several frivolous lawsuits have been filed challenging the Fund, and at least one court has declined to dismiss those claims as moot.

Blanche stated that the rescission was made after "good faith discussions" with committee members. He emphasized that the fund was never operative, with no members appointed, no funds transferred, and no claims processed or paid. Nevertheless, the order aims to remove any doubt about the fund's non-existence and address the senators' concerns ahead of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche's confirmation, scheduled for Tuesday.

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This Order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.

This development is a significant step in the confirmation process for Blanche, whose permanent appointment was contingent on resolving the controversy surrounding the fund. The order seeks to clear the path for his confirmation by definitively closing the door on the "anti-weaponization fund."

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My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions. We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order.