Acting Attorney General halts controversial $1.8 billion 'slush fund' for anti-Trump efforts under Senate GOP scrutiny
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Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, has cancelled a proposed $1.8 billion fund targeting Trump supporters, after Republican senators stood firm against what they called a partisan misuse of taxpayer money.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche took decisive action Sunday evening by formally rescinding a proposed $1.8 billion fund that had been announced as part of a settlement with President Donald Trump. Blanche’s order makes clear that the May 18, 2026 directive establishing the so-called 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is null, never operative, and that no members were appointed, no money was transferred, and no claims were processed.
This move comes after principled stands by Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, who made it clear they would not support Blanche’s confirmation unless the fund—seen by many as a partisan attempt to target Trump and his allies—was cancelled in writing. Blanche’s team met with committee members to address these serious concerns, leading to the fund’s cancellation.
Additionally, the order tightens the terms of another settlement provision that had irresponsibly granted broad immunity from tax audits to Trump and his family. The new clarification ensures that immunity only applies retroactively to existing claims at the time of the settlement, not to future filings, restoring some measure of accountability.
'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, demonstrating responsiveness to legitimate oversight.
'Has there been a written agreement of the parties to modify the settlement fund?' Senator Cornyn asked during Blanche’s confirmation hearing. Blanche confirmed that the fund was never moving forward and no money had been transferred, putting to rest concerns about backdoor deals.
A spokesperson for Senator Cornyn confirmed that the senator had reached an agreement with the Justice Department regarding the fund and the IRS settlement, marking a victory for transparency and proper use of taxpayer funds. The Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche’s nomination is scheduled for Tuesday.
The fund had already been temporarily blocked by a federal judge in May amid a wave of lawsuits, and the Justice Department argued in June that the lawsuits should be dismissed as moot. Critics from both sides described the proposal as a 'slush fund,' and strong opposition—especially from Republicans—has cast serious doubt on its future.