WASHINGTON, D.C. — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally eliminated the Justice Department’s controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund after two Republican senators threatened to block his permanent confirmation.
Blanche signed an order Sunday declaring that the May directive establishing the fund “is rescinded and shall have no force or effect.” The department said no board members had been appointed, no money transferred and no claims processed.
The fund emerged from the administration’s settlement of President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the disclosure of his tax records. It was intended to compensate people claiming politically motivated mistreatment by the federal government, potentially including pardoned participants in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina demanded written assurances that the fund was permanently dead before supporting Blanche. Their opposition had delayed a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on his nomination.
Blanche also narrowed disputed tax-audit protections included in the settlement. The revised language applies only to matters already open when the agreement was reached and does not shield Trump, his family or businesses from future examinations.
The committee is scheduled to reconsider Blanche’s nomination Tuesday, with the rescission removing its largest Republican obstacle.
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