Todd Blanche Rescinds Anti-Weaponization Fund to Clear Path for Permanent Attorney General Nomination
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed a document Sunday evening rescinding a previous order that established a nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. This move, prompted by Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, removes a major hurdle for Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department. While the fund was a point of contention for Republicans, the settlement still grants President Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and the Trump Organization permanent immunity from IRS audits on tax returns filed before the agreement. Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren, have questioned the scope of the settlement, seeking clarity on whether various Trump-affiliated companies are included in the other parties. Several companies, such as Trump Media and Technology Group, have officially distanced themselves from the deal, noting they are not party to the settlement. The administration announced the settlement to resolve a lawsuit where the Trump family accused the IRS and Treasury Department of allowing a government contractor to leak tax returns in 2020. Despite the audit ban, Blanche confirmed the deal is retroactive, meaning future tax filings will still be subject to audit.