Acting Attorney General caves to GOP pressure, rescinds $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund meant to curb Trump abuses
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Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, has withdrawn a proposed $1.8 billion fund designed to combat the weaponization of government by Trump and his allies, after Republican senators threatened to obstruct his confirmation.
In a troubling display of Republican influence over the justice system, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order Sunday evening formally rescinding a proposed $1.8 billion fund that was intended as part of a settlement with President Donald Trump. The order, which nullifies the May 18, 2026 directive establishing the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' states that the fund is void and never took effect—no members were appointed, no money was transferred, and no claims were processed.
This capitulation comes after Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn openly threatened to block Blanche’s confirmation unless the fund, which was designed to address the rampant abuse of power and politicization under Trump, was scrapped in writing. Blanche’s team reportedly met with committee members to appease their concerns, ultimately leading to the fund’s demise.
Adding insult to injury, the order also narrows the scope of another settlement provision that had granted broad immunity from tax audits to Trump and his family. Now, the immunity only applies retroactively to claims open at the time of the settlement, leaving future filings subject to scrutiny—though this is cold comfort given the broader concessions to Trump’s camp.
'My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,' Blanche posted on X, signaling his willingness to bend to right-wing demands.
'Has there been a written agreement of the parties to modify the settlement fund?' Senator Cornyn pressed during Blanche’s confirmation hearing. Blanche, under pressure, replied that the fund was never moving forward and no money had been transferred.
A spokesperson for Senator Cornyn confirmed that the senator had reached an agreement with the Justice Department regarding the fund and the IRS settlement, further highlighting the GOP’s grip on the process. The Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche’s nomination is scheduled for Tuesday.
The fund, which had been temporarily blocked by a federal judge in May amid a flurry of lawsuits, was dismissed by the Justice Department in June as moot. Critics, largely from the right, derided the proposal as a 'slush fund,' and bipartisan opposition—fueled by Republican obstruction—has left its future in doubt.