Acting AG Strikes Agreement to Disband $1.8B Fund Against Weaponization

WHO:

NBC News - Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the rescinding of the anti-weaponization fund.

CBS News - Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn threatened to block Blanche's confirmation unless the fund was rescinded.

NBC News - Senator John Kennedy, R-La., stated he would exclude Jan. 6 rioters from any legislation regarding the fund.

WHAT:

NBC News - Todd Blanche issued an order rescinding a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.

CBS News - The order states that the fund "is rescinded and shall have no force or effect."

CBS News - The fund was part of a settlement agreement stemming from a lawsuit filed by Trump against the IRS.

NBC News - Blanche's announcement came two days before the Senate Judiciary Committee's vote on his nomination as attorney general.

WHERE:

NBC News - The announcement and discussions took place in the context of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

WHEN:

CBS News - The Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche's nomination is scheduled for Tuesday.

CBS News - The Attorney General's order establishing the fund was dated May 18, 2026.

WHY:

NBC News - The fund faced criticism because payouts could extend to participants in the January 6, 2021, riot.

CBS News - Tillis and Cornyn's support for Blanche was contingent on the administration rescinding the fund.

HOW:

NBC News - Blanche stated that he and his team had met with committee members and senators to address concerns regarding the fund.

(UPDATED August 3, 2026 05:39 UTC)

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has announced the rescinding of a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, a decision that comes just two days before the Senate Judiciary Committee's vote on his nomination. This order, which states that the fund "is rescinded and shall have no force or effect," was made in response to pressure from Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, who threatened to block Blanche's confirmation unless the fund was eliminated due to concerns about payouts potentially extending to participants in the January 6 riot. Additionally, Senator John Kennedy has indicated he would exclude those rioters from any related legislation regarding the fund.