Todd Blanche Rescinds Anti-Weaponization Fund to Secure Confirmation as Acting Attorney General
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed a document Sunday evening rescinding a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund intended to compensate political allies of President Donald Trump. The move was made to satisfy Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had withheld support for Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department. While the fund was removed, the settlement agreement still provides permanent audit immunity for President Donald Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization for prior tax returns. Democrats have criticized the deal as potentially corrupt, with Senator Elizabeth Warren leading an investigation into whether the settlement applies to various Trump-affiliated businesses. Several companies, such as Trump Media and Technology Group, have already distanced themselves from the deal. Despite the removal of the fund, the administration announced that the settlement remains a significant win for the president's personal finances. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 in favor of Blanche's nomination, clearing a path for his permanent appointment as Attorney General.