Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moved closer to Senate confirmation Sunday after formally rescinding a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” that had sparked a revolt among key Republican senators.
Blanche issued a written order terminating the fund and narrowing tax-related protections included in President Donald Trump’s settlement with the Internal Revenue Service. The concessions appear to have eased concerns raised by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., whose opposition had stalled Blanche’s nomination.
Cornyn’s office confirmed that an agreement had been reached 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,” spokeswoman Natalie Yezbick said, according to Politico.
The agreement also makes clear that protections contained in the IRS settlement are limited to the plaintiffs and apply only retroactively. They will not shield Trump or other plaintiffs from scrutiny of future tax filings.
Blanche Formalizes His Commitment
The $1.776 billion fund was established through a May directive connected to the settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the unauthorized disclosure of his tax records.
The proposal was intended to compensate people who claimed they had been unfairly targeted by politically motivated prosecutions. Critics feared that individuals convicted of crimes connected to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot could receive taxpayer-funded payments.
The Justice Department said the fund never became operational. No board members were appointed, no money was transferred, no claims process was created and no payments were issued.
Blanche said his order placed assurances he previously gave senators into a binding written document.
“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 Sunday on X.
“The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress,” he added.
Cornyn had insisted on a written commitment because Trump continued to defend the idea of compensating people he believes were victims of political prosecution. The president had also floated keeping Blanche in an acting capacity and resubmitting his nomination after Cornyn and Tillis leave the Senate.
Blanche’s order rescinds the Justice Department directive implementing the fund. However, Axios reported that the underlying IRS settlement has not been fully rewritten, potentially leaving unresolved legal questions about whether a similar proposal could return.
One Republican Holdout Remains
Tillis had not publicly confirmed his support as of Sunday night, although he previously indicated that he could support Blanche if the administration permanently abandoned the fund.
Before the agreement was announced, Tillis said Trump appeared determined to revive the “payout pot” through another Justice Department initiative or legislation that most Senate Republicans would oppose.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is now scheduled to consider Blanche’s nomination at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Blanche is the only nominee listed on the committee’s official agenda.
Republicans need to remain united on the committee if Democrats maintain their opposition. Cornyn’s apparent shift therefore removes one major obstacle, but Tillis’ vote could still determine whether Blanche advances to the full Senate.
Blanche has served as acting attorney general since replacing Pam Bondi in April.
Trump Remains At The White House Monday
Trump returned to Washington from his Bedminster, New Jersey, property Sunday evening. The president arrived at the White House shortly before 6:30 p.m. after landing at Joint Base Andrews.
No additional travel is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3.
Trump’s public itinerary instead keeps him at the White House for executive time, several closed-door policy meetings and a 1:30 p.m. executive-order signing in the Oval Office, according to the president’s published schedule.
The president is expected to remain focused on administration priorities as Senate Republicans prepare for Tuesday’s pivotal vote on Blanche’s nomination.
