Blanche rescinds Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, removing hurdle from attorney general nominee’s confirmation
Blanche Rescinds Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund to Clear Confirmation Path
Healfromzero.com – Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche, announced Sunday that he is formally rescinding the president’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. This move removes a significant hurdle from his confirmation after Senate Republicans threatened to block his nomination over the controversial agreement. “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Department official attached a formal order to his post stating that the May 18, 2026, order establishing the fund “is rescinded and shall have no force or effect.”
Senate Opposition and Resolution
The fund — created as part of a lawsuit settlement between Trump and the IRS — faced resistance from Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. While Blanche had previously declared the fund “dead” and the Justice Department told courts the program was abandoned, officials had declined to formalize the commitment in writing. The fund would have provided taxpayer money to individuals claiming victimization by the federal government, including those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The Sunday order also addresses a key concern regarding the tax investigation immunity addendum. Cornyn wanted Blanche to explicitly acknowledge that the immunity applies only to past tax investigations against the president and those named in the IRS lawsuit. The order clarifies that the measure “applies by its terms only retroactively” and covers “the named parties in the lawsuit” referenced in the original agreement.
Cornyn’s spokesperson, Natalie Yezbick, confirmed the resolution Sunday night: “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.” CNN has reached out to Tillis’ office for additional comment on the matter.
What This Means for Blanche’s Confirmation
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 familiar with the matter told CNN they made progress, though no deal was reached at that time.
The political context adds complexity to the situation. Trump said Cornyn and Tillis were “both upset because I wouldn’t endorse them.” Cornyn lost his primary this spring to Trump-backed Ken Paxton, while Tillis, a frequent Trump critic, decided last year not to run for reelection. These demands left Blanche in a difficult position, since placing limits on the tax addendum could anger the president.
Trump then announced Saturday he would push to pass the anti-weaponization fund into law if he couldn’t secure Senate support to confirm Blanche, his former personal lawyer. Tillis responded to that threat 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,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, adding that the fund “would be a reimbursement for the pain” his supporters and allies who would be eligible for the fund “suffered.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the anti-weaponization fund? The anti-weaponization fund is a $1.8 billion program created as part of a lawsuit settlement between Donald Trump and the IRS. It provides taxpayer money to individuals who claim they were victims of federal government weaponization, including those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Why did Blanche rescind the fund? Blanche rescinded the fund to address concerns from Senate Republicans, particularly Sens. 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 leaves 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 pass it into law.
Does the Sunday order affect tax investigations? Yes, the Sunday order clarifies that the tax investigation immunity applies only retroactively and covers only the named parties in the original IRS lawsuit, including the president.
This story has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Manu Raju contributed to this report.