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Todd Blanche Rescinds Anti-Weaponization Fund to Secure Senate Confirmation

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, a move designed to secure the confirmation of his nomination to lead the Justice Department. The administration announced the deal was reached after negotiations with Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had threatened to block Blanche's bid unless the fund—intended to compensate political allies of President Donald Trump—was officially cancelled. Under the agreement, Blanche also clarified that a separate tax immunity deal for President Donald Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization would apply only retroactively to claims open at the time of the settlement. This ensures that while the president's back taxes may be reduced, he is not shielded from future tax filings. While some Democrats expressed concern that the order does not legally prevent the administration from reviving the fund in the future, Blanche maintained that the fund is officially dead. The deal allows the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance Blanche's nomination on Tuesday.

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