Blanche Rescinds Trump's Anti Weaponization Fund Amid Confirmation Pressure
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded the Trump administration's proposed Anti Weaponization Fund while seeking Senate confirmation.
Blanche announced the decision after facing pressure from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, whose support is considered crucial for his confirmation as the next US Attorney General. Both senators had raised concerns over the proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund and demanded formal action before backing his nomination.
The Anti Weaponization Fund was originally created through a legal settlement involving President Donald Trump and was intended to compensate individuals who claimed they had been unfairly targeted by government investigations. Critics argued the fund could potentially benefit Trump allies, including people connected to the January 6 Capitol riot.
Alongside rescinding the fund, Blanche also issued a separate order clarifying the scope of an agreement that had shielded Trump and parts of his business organisation from additional Internal Revenue Service audits relating to previous tax years. The clarification limits the arrangement to past tax filings rather than providing ongoing protection.
The move was welcomed by Cornyn and Tillis, who said Blanche had addressed their concerns and demonstrated a willingness to work with Congress. Their support is expected to clear the way for the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance his nomination.
However, Democratic lawmakers and legal experts questioned whether the changes permanently eliminate the controversial fund. They argue the underlying settlement remains legally intact and could potentially be revived if all parties involved agree to restore it.
President Trump has publicly acknowledged that the Anti Weaponization Fund is currently "dead" but has continued to express support for compensating individuals he believes were wrongly investigated, suggesting he would like to pursue similar payments through other means.
Blanche's confirmation process continues in the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to debate his independence and suitability for the role following his previous work as one of Trump's personal defence attorneys.
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