Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally rescinded the Justice Department’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” late Sunday, according to multiple statements issued by both Blanche and the department. The move came as Blanche sought to advance his confirmation as Attorney General through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Two senators on the panel, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, had made written assurances that the fund be eliminated a condition of their support. Both senators are departing Congress at the end of the current term. Following Blanche’s announcement, the two released a joint statement indicating they “look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon.”
The fund was created as part of a settlement between President Trump and his own Justice Department to resolve litigation Trump brought against the Internal Revenue Service. A federal judge dismissed a separate $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS earlier in the year. Legal experts have noted that despite the written termination, the fund could potentially be reinstated through future executive action. Additionally, the Justice Department clarified that audit protections granted under the May IRS settlement agreement apply only to the parties involved in the original lawsuit.
Blanche’s nomination has faced delays on the committee due to concerns about the anti-weaponization fund. Some Republicans argued publicly that the fund’s existence could create political liability ahead of midterm elections, with critics saying it appeared to offer potential compensation to Trump allies and individuals involved in January 6. The committee originally planned to vote on the nomination last week but delayed proceedings to resolve disagreements over the fund.
Other obstacles to Blanche’s confirmation remain, including concerns from some Republicans about his previous role as Trump’s personal attorney. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska indicated she was still evaluating the nomination. With Republican control of the Senate relatively narrow, a small number of defections could potentially block confirmation.
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