President Donald Trump Defends Todd Blanche Nomination While Facing Republican Resistance Over Anti-Weaponization Fund
President Donald Trump defended the nomination of Todd Blanche as the nation's permanent Attorney General on Friday, despite opposition from key Republican senators. The administration announced that the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund"—a settlement with the IRS—is technically dead, though President Trump expressed a personal desire to keep it. The fund was designed to compensate allies who were allegedly unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are withholding their support for Blanche until the administration provides written assurance that the fund will not be revived. They are also seeking clarification on a tax immunity addendum for the president and his family. While Blanche testified that the fund was abandoned, the lack of a formal written commitment from the administration has stalled the confirmation process. President Trump suggested that the resistance from John Cornyn may be personal, noting he endorsed the president's primary opponent in Texas. The nomination is unlikely to be confirmed before the Senate's summer recess.