Todd Blanche Rescinds Controversial $1.8B ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund to Secure AG Confirmation

In a strategic move to clear his path toward becoming the next U.S. Attorney General, Todd Blanche has formally rescinded the highly controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. The decision comes after a period of intense friction with Senate Republicans, who had threatened to derail his nomination over the agreement.

Blanche, currently serving as the acting chief of the U.S. Department of Justice, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to announce that he and his team had reached a resolution after weeks of discussions with committee members and Senators.

What was the ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund?

The fund was born out of a settlement between Donald Trump and the IRS. It was designed to provide taxpayer-funded reimbursements to individuals who claimed they were victims of “weaponization” by the federal government. This broad definition sparked immediate backlash, as it potentially included individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.

While Blanche had previously claimed the program was “dead,” the lack of a written commitment created a stalemate in the Senate. The formal order issued this Sunday finally puts that commitment in writing, stating that the May 18, 2026 order establishing the fund is officially rescinded.

The Senate Standoff: Cornyn and Tillis

The primary resistance came from the Senate Judiciary Committee, specifically Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (North Carolina). Their concerns weren’t limited to the fund itself but extended to a controversial addendum offering tax investigation immunity to the president and his family.

To secure their support, Blanche provided a critical clarification regarding the tax immunity:

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• Retroactive Application: The immunity applies only retroactively.
• Limited Scope: It is strictly limited to the named parties in the original IRS lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Senator Cornyn confirmed that an agreement with the Justice Department has been reached, significantly smoothing the road for Blanche’s confirmation.

Political Tensions and Trump’s Reaction

The path to this agreement was far from smooth. Donald Trump had previously threatened to temporarily withdraw Blanche’s nomination, suggesting he might renominate his former personal lawyer only after his critics left the Senate next year.

Adding to the drama, Trump had defended the fund as a necessary “reimbursement for the pain” suffered by his allies. He even suggested that if the Senate failed to approve Todd Blanche, he would push to turn the anti-weaponization fund into law.

What This Means for the Justice Department

By rescinding the fund and limiting the scope of tax immunity, Todd Blanche has navigated a precarious political minefield. This move demonstrates a willingness to compromise with legislative oversight to ensure the leadership of the Justice Department remains stable.

As the Senate prepares for the final confirmation steps, the legal community and political analysts will be watching closely to see how this agreement impacts the future relationship between the executive branch and the Department of Justice.