Blanche rescinds Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, removing hurdle from attorney general nominee’s confirmation
Blanche Rescinds Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund Ahead of Confirmation Vote
Earthguardiansonline.com – Blanche rescinds Trump s anti weaponization fund as Senate Republicans agreed to move forward with his attorney general nomination. Donald Trump’s nominee, Todd Blanche, announced late Sunday that he is formally withdrawing the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund after weeks of negotiations with committee members. “My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,” Blanche wrote on X. The Justice Department’s acting chief attached a formal order stating that the May 18, 2026, establishment of the Anti-Weaponization Fund “is rescinded and shall have no force or effect.”
Senate Republicans Remove Nomination Hurdle
The controversial fund — created through a settlement between Trump and the IRS — faced strong opposition from Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Blanche had previously described the fund as “dead,” and the Justice Department informed courts the program was abandoned, though officials had declined to document the commitment formally. The fund would have provided taxpayer money to individuals claiming they were victims of federal government weaponization, including those connected to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.
The Sunday order also narrowed the scope of a tax investigation immunity addendum for Trump and his family — a key concern for Cornyn. The senator wanted explicit acknowledgment that the provision applies only to past tax investigations against the president and those named in the IRS lawsuit. The updated order clarifies that the measure “applies by its terms only retroactively” and covers only “the named parties in the lawsuit” referenced in the original agreement.
A spokesperson for Cornyn confirmed Sunday night that the Texas Republican reached an agreement with the Justice Department. “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,” said Cornyn spokesperson Natalie Yezbick. CNN has reached out to Tillis’ office for comment.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote Tuesday on Blanche’s nomination, potentially confirming him before the chamber departs for a five-week recess. Trump had threatened on Thursday to temporarily withdraw the nomination amid resistance from Tillis and Cornyn, then renominate Blanche after they leave the Senate next year. The senators met privately with Blanche Thursday afternoon, and three sources told CNN they made progress, though no deal was finalized. The president noted that Cornyn and Tillis were “both upset because I wouldn’t endorse them.” Cornyn lost his primary this spring to Trump-backed Ken Paxton.
Tillis, a frequent Trump critic, decided last year not to seek reelection. These demands placed Blanche in a difficult position, since limiting the tax addendum could anger the president. Trump then announced Saturday he would push to codify the “anti-weaponization” fund into law if Senate support for Blanche’s confirmation remained elusive. Tillis responded by stating that Blanche, “who I consider qualified for the job, will not be confirmed because of this reversal.”
Even hours before Blanche’s Sunday announcement, Trump defended the controversial fund and reiterated that if the Senate doesn’t confirm Blanche, he will put the idea “back on the table.” “A lot of people like it. … If they don’t approve Todd, I put it back on the table,” he told reporters on Air Force One. Trump described the fund as “a reimbursement for the pain” his supporters and allies who would be eligible “suffered.” CNN has reached out to the White House for comment on Blanche’s order.
What This Means for Blanche’s Nomination
Blanche rescinds Trump s anti weaponization fund commitment as a strategic move to secure Senate confirmation. The withdrawal removes a significant obstacle that had threatened to derail Blanche’s nomination to the attorney general position. With Cornyn’s concerns addressed through the written agreement, the path appears clear for a favorable vote on Tuesday.
“Sen. Cornyn has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice, which will be issuing a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the anti-weaponization fund? The anti-weaponization fund was a $1.8 billion program created through a settlement between Donald Trump and the IRS. It would provide taxpayer money to individuals claiming they were victims of federal government weaponization, including those connected to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.
Why did Blanche rescind the fund? Blanche rescinded the fund to address concerns from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who threatened to block his attorney general nomination over the controversial agreement.
When will Blanche’s confirmation vote take place? The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday, potentially confirming him before the chamber departs for a five-week recess.
What happens to the fund if Blanche is not confirmed? Trump stated that if the Senate doesn’t confirm Blanche, he will put the anti-weaponization fund “back on the table” and push to have it passed into law.
What other changes did the Sunday order include? The order also limited the tax investigation immunity addendum for Trump and his family, clarifying that it applies only retroactively to the named parties in the original IRS lawsuit.
