Blanche Eliminates $1.8B Fund, Easing AG Nominee Confirmation
WHO:
CNN - Todd Blanche, nominee for attorney general, acting chief of the Justice Department, President Trump, Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.
WHAT:
ABC News - A spokesperson for Cornyn stated that an agreement was reached with the Justice Department, which will issue a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund and clarifying that the scope of the audit settlement is limited to only the plaintiffs, including the President, and the IRS.
ABC News - The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Blanche’s nomination, indicating he could be confirmed before the chamber leaves for a five-week recess.
CNN - Todd Blanche rescinded President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund.
CNN - The fund was created as part of a settlement agreement from a lawsuit by Trump against the IRS.
CNN - The fund would have offered taxpayer money to individuals claiming victimization by the federal government, including those involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.
ABC News - A spokesperson for Cornyn indicated that Blanche's post cleared the way for his approval.
IJR - The rescinding of the fund moved Blanche closer to Senate confirmation.
WHERE:
CNN - The discussions and meetings took place in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
WHEN:
CNN - The order rescinding the fund was dated Sunday.
CNN - The original order establishing the fund was dated May 18, 2026.
WHY:
CNN - Senate Republicans threatened to block Blanche’s nomination over the controversial fund.
CNN - Cornyn and Tillis had concerns regarding the fund and its implications.
HOW:
CNN - Blanche stated that he and his team met with committee members and Senators to address concerns.
CNN - The announcement included a document stating that the measure applies only retroactively and to the named parties in the lawsuit.
(UPDATED August 3, 2026 12:55 UTC)
An agreement has been reached between Texas Senator John Cornyn and the Justice Department, which will lead to a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund and clarifying that the audit settlement only applies to the plaintiffs, including Trump and the IRS. Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote on Blanche’s nomination, suggesting he could be confirmed before the chamber takes a five-week recess. This series of developments highlights significant movements in both legislative and judicial matters.
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(UPDATED August 3, 2026 09:01 UTC)
Todd Blanche, the nominee for attorney general and acting chief of the Justice Department, has rescinded President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was originally established as part of a settlement agreement from a lawsuit against the IRS. This fund aimed to provide taxpayer money to individuals claiming victimization by the federal government, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, but faced opposition from Senate Republicans, prompting Blanche to address their concerns. Following his announcement, a spokesperson for Senator John Cornyn indicated that this move clears the way for Blanche's Senate confirmation, as it aligns with the interests of key Republican Senators.