White House Engages in Controversial Fund Rescission Amid Confirmation Moves

WHO:

CNN - Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Director of Legislative Affairs James Braid, Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.

WHAT:

CNN - The White House was involved in the order to rescind President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund.

ABC News Business - Todd Blanche rescinded the “anti-weaponization fund” meant for Trump’s political allies.

CNN - Blanche stated in his memo that the fund “shall have no force or effect” and that there is “no Fund.”

WHERE:

CNN - The negotiations and discussions took place within the White House and involved Senate offices.

WHEN:

CNN - A deal was reached late Sunday night, with documents published by Blanche on X.

WHY:

CNN - Trump was convinced by his advisers that rescinding the fund was necessary to ensure Blanche’s nomination for attorney general would advance.

CNN - White House officials were frustrated with the senators, believing they were trying to exert leverage during the nomination process.

HOW:

CNN - Blanche worked with the White House throughout the process and kept top officials briefed on negotiations.

CNN - The Justice Department engaged in back-and-forth negotiations with Cornyn’s staff to find a middle ground regarding the IRS agreement.

CNN - Blanche published two documents to announce the deal, including a signed memo and an unsigned statement clarifying IRS protections.

(UPDATED August 4, 2026 00:09 UTC)

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the White House was involved in the decision to rescind President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, stating in his memo that the fund “shall have no force or effect.” This decision came after negotiations within the White House and discussions with Senate offices, where Trump was advised that rescinding the fund was crucial for advancing Blanche’s nomination. Late Sunday night, documents detailing the deal were published by Blanche on X, which included a signed memo and an unsigned statement clarifying IRS protections.