Blanche confirms 'anti-weaponization fund' dead, clearing path to AG vote

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's path to leading the Justice Department is now clear after two Republican senators agreed to advance his nomination. Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis had previously threatened to block Blanche's confirmation, creating an impasse over plans for a fund intended to compensate allies of former President Donald Trump.

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We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon.

The senators announced their decision Monday, following Blanche's formal rescission of the $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" late Sunday. This fund was meant to compensate individuals who believe they were unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department. Cornyn and Tillis, whose votes are crucial for advancing Blanche's nomination through the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated they would support him after receiving written confirmation that the fund is officially dead.

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although the Acting Attorney General has repeatedly advised Congress through testimony, including under oath, as well as in written responses, that the Fund is not moving forward, and the Department has repeatedly represented to district courts that the Fund is not moving forward, today’s Order officially rescinds the May 18, 2026 Order.

Blanche had previously stated at a June hearing that the Justice Department would not proceed with the fund, facing bipartisan criticism. Concerns were particularly high that individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot could be eligible for payments. Lawmakers remained skeptical, however, fearing the fund could be revived without a written commitment, especially given Trump's continued defense of the idea.

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No Members were appointed; no funds were transferred; no process for receiving claims was established; no claims were paid. This order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.

In a statement accompanying the order, the Justice Department clarified that while the Acting Attorney General had repeatedly assured Congress and courts that the fund was not moving forward, the new order "establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund." The order also limits the scope of another settlement provision granting broad immunity from tax audits to Trump and his family, specifying it applies only retroactively and does not cover future tax filings.

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applies by its terms only retroactively and does not protect the president from examination of future tax filings.