Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinds controversial $1.8 b. anti-weaponization fund

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, a move that paves the way for his confirmation. Republican senators had previously stalled his nomination, demanding written assurances that the Justice Department would not proceed with the fund, which they criticized as a "slush fund for Trump's supporters."

Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis had specifically objected to the fund and a separate Justice Department order that shielded President Trump, his family, and his companies from IRS audits of past tax returns. A spokesperson for Sen. Cornyn stated that an agreement had been reached, leading to a formal order permanently terminating the fund and clarifying the scope of the audit settlement.

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The Department of Justice today announced that the Acting Attorney-General rescinded the May 18, 2026 Order that established 'The Anti-Weaponization Fund.'

Blanche's order confirmed the termination of the fund, established on May 18, 2026, as part of a legal settlement resolving Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over alleged mishandling of his tax records. The Acting Attorney-General also stood by his previous testimony regarding the tax audit order, which he stated applied only retroactively.

Despite the fund's termination, President Trump indicated he would still push Congress to codify the proposed "anti-weaponization" fund if Blanche is not confirmed. Senator Tillis, whose term ends in January, expressed doubt about Blanche's confirmation due to Trump's stance but hoped for a resolution before a scheduled committee vote.

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Sen. Cornyn has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice, which will be issuing a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund and making clear in a binding written document that the scope of the audit settlement is limited to only the plaintiffs, including the President, and the IRS.