Blanche rescinds Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, removing hurdle from attorney general nominee’s confirmation
Blanche Rescinds Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund: What You Need to Know
Activelifezero.com – Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, officially withdrew the controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund on Sunday evening. This move removes a significant obstacle to his confirmation by the Senate. The fund, established through an IRS settlement agreement, had drawn sharp criticism from Republican senators who threatened to block Blanche’s nomination.
Senate Resistance and Resolution
Blanche announced the decision after extensive discussions with committee members and senators over several weeks. In a statement posted on X, he explained that his team addressed all concerns regarding the fund. The Sunday order formally rescinded the Attorney General’s May 18, 2026 directive that created the Anti-Weaponization Fund.
Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, were central to the opposition. Cornyn’s spokesperson Natalie Yezbick confirmed that an agreement was reached with the Justice Department. The deal includes permanently terminating the fund and clarifying that the audit settlement applies only to named parties in the lawsuit.
What the Anti-Weaponization Fund Was
The controversial fund would have provided taxpayer money to individuals claiming they were victims of federal government weaponization. This included people involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot. The fund represented a significant commitment of public resources that many lawmakers questioned.
Blanche had previously indicated the fund was “dead,” and the Justice Department informed courts that the program was abandoned. However, officials had declined to formalize this commitment in writing until now. The Sunday order also limits the tax investigation immunity addendum that protects Trump and his family members.
Confirmation Timeline and Next Steps
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday. This timing means he could be confirmed before the chamber begins its five-week summer recess. The announcement follows a week of uncertainty surrounding his potential confirmation to the attorney general position.
Trump had threatened to temporarily withdraw Blanche’s nomination amid resistance from Tillis and Cornyn. He planned to renominate his former personal lawyer after the senators left the Senate next year. The president noted that both senators were “upset because I wouldn’t endorse them.”
Looking Ahead
Even hours before Blanche’s Sunday announcement, Trump defended the anti-weaponization fund. He reiterated that if the Senate doesn’t confirm Blanche, he will put the program “back on the table.” The president told reporters on Air Force One that “a lot of people like it” and emphasized it would serve as “a reimbursement for the pain” his supporters suffered.
“Sen. Cornyn has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice, which will be issuing a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund.” — Natalie Yezbick, Cornyn spokesperson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the anti-weaponization fund?
The anti-weaponization fund was a $1.8 billion program created through an IRS settlement agreement. It would provide taxpayer money to individuals who claimed they were victims of federal government weaponization, including those involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.
Why did Blanche rescind the fund?
Blanche rescinded the fund after Senate Republicans, particularly Senators Cornyn and Tillis, threatened to block his nomination. The senators had concerns about the fund’s scope and wanted clearer limitations on the tax investigation immunity for Trump and his family.
When will Blanche’s confirmation vote take place?
The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday. This timing allows for potential confirmation before the Senate begins its five-week summer recess.
What happens to the fund if Blanche isn’t confirmed?
Trump stated that if the Senate doesn’t confirm Blanche, he will put the anti-weaponization fund “back on the table” and potentially push to get it passed into law.
This story has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Manu Raju contributed to this report.
