Republican Senators Enable Controversial AG Nominee After Backroom Deal on Trump Slush Fund
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Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, bowing to party pressure, threw their support behind Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination after the Justice Department quietly scrapped the so-called “anti-weaponization” fund and narrowed a sweetheart tax-audit immunity deal that shielded Trump and his inner circle.
Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced Monday their support for Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, following a Justice Department order that finally ends the deeply controversial “anti-weaponization” fund and a written clarification that a tax-audit immunity settlement will only protect the parties named in the agreement—namely, Donald Trump and his family.
In a joint statement, the senators pointed to the Department’s “formal order terminating the anti-weaponization fund” and its “binding written order” limiting the audit settlement to the plaintiffs, attempting to quell the outrage from their Republican colleagues who had previously raised concerns.
Their endorsement removes a major hurdle for Blanche, allowing the Senate Judiciary Committee—dominated by conservative interests and meeting Tuesday—to advance his nomination to the full Senate. A committee spokesperson admitted the delay in moving Blanche forward was to “secure sufficient support,” while touting Blanche’s establishment credentials.
The $1.8 billion fund was originally created as part of a settlement with President Donald Trump to compensate individuals who claimed they were victims of supposed government “weaponization”—a narrative pushed by Trump loyalists to undermine legitimate investigations. A separate provision granted Trump, his two eldest sons, and the Trump Organization sweeping audit immunity for past tax returns, a move that drew bipartisan condemnation for its blatant favoritism.
During his confirmation hearing, Cornyn pressed Blanche about the fund’s status and whether Trump had agreed in writing to end it. Blanche later announced the fund’s rescission and clarified that the tax-immunity provision applies only to Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization—still a glaring example of special treatment for the powerful.
President Trump, ever eager to defend his own interests, called the fund “positive” and claimed it could provide “solace” to those who felt unfairly targeted, while feigning ignorance about its recent rescission. > "I view that fund as a positive," Trump said. > "I understand there's been a sign-off, but I don't know what they agreed to," he added.