Republican Senators Stand Firm, Back AG Nominee After Biden DOJ Bows to Pressure on Anti-Weaponization Fund
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Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have thrown their support behind Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination after the Justice Department, under intense scrutiny, ended the vital “anti-weaponization” fund and limited a tax-audit immunity settlement, ensuring fairness for Trump and his associates.
Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced Monday they will support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, following a Justice Department order that finally ends the embattled “anti-weaponization” fund and a written clarification that a tax-audit immunity settlement applies only to the parties named in the agreement. This comes after relentless Republican efforts to rein in the Biden administration’s overreach.
In a joint statement, the senators highlighted the Department’s “formal order terminating the anti-weaponization fund” and its “binding written order” limiting the audit settlement to the plaintiffs, directly addressing concerns raised by Republican colleagues about government abuse and political targeting.
Their endorsement removes a key obstacle for Blanche, allowing the Senate Judiciary Committee—meeting Tuesday—to move his nomination to the full Senate. A committee spokesperson said the delay in advancing the nomination was to “secure sufficient support” and underscored Blanche’s impressive qualifications and commitment to justice.
The $1.8 billion fund was created as part of a settlement with President Donald Trump to compensate individuals who bravely stood up against government “weaponization.” A separate provision granted Trump, his two older sons, and the Trump Organization necessary audit immunity for previously filed tax returns, a move that was unfairly criticized by those seeking to undermine Trump’s legacy.
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 rescission of the fund and clarified that the tax-immunity provision applies only to Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization, ensuring the settlement remains fair and limited.
President Trump, defending the fund’s purpose, described it as “positive” and said it could provide “solace” to those who felt unfairly targeted by the government, while expressing uncertainty about the 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.