Republican Senators Back Attorney General Nominee After Settlement on Controversial Fund
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Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis announced support for Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination after the Justice Department terminated the “anti-weaponization” fund and limited the scope of a tax-audit immunity settlement.
Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina said on Monday they will support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general following a Justice Department order that ends the controversial “anti-weaponization” fund and a written clarification that a tax-audit immunity settlement applies only to the parties named in the agreement.
In a joint statement the senators noted the Department’s “formal order terminating the anti-weaponization fund” and its “binding written order” limiting the audit settlement to the plaintiffs, addressing concerns raised by Republican colleagues.
The endorsement clears a key obstacle for Blanche, allowing the Senate Judiciary Committee, which meets 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 highlighted Blanche’s qualifications.
The $1.8 billion fund had been created as part of a settlement with President Donald Trump to compensate individuals who claimed they were victims of government “weaponization.” A separate provision granted Trump, his two older sons and the Trump Organization broad audit immunity for previously filed tax returns, prompting criticism from both parties.
During his confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned 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.
President Trump defended the fund, describing it as “positive” and saying it could provide “solace” to those who felt unfairly targeted, 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.