Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced late Sunday that he is terminating President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” to compensate his political allies, a move that should ensure his confirmation for the top job.
“My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,” Blanche wrote on X. “We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order and update with regard to the May IRS settlement. The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress.”
The fund was part of a settlement agreement that stemmed from a lawsuit President Donald Trump filed against the IRS, which also shielded the Trump family from tax audits.
Blanche faced pushback from GOP Sens. John Cornyn, of Texas, and Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, who said their support for him was dependent on the administration’s officially killing the fund.
Trump threatened Saturday to “push hard” to revive it if Blanche was not confirmed.
“If Senators Cornyn and Tillis, both upset because I wouldn’t Endorse them (they lost, and quit, respectively!), aren’t going to approve Todd Blanche, one of the most respected professionals, according to everybody, in the Country, to be the United States Attorney General, then I will keep Todd as Acting A.G., and push hard to get the Anti-Weaponization Bill, which takes care of those who have been so badly treated by the Crooked Joe Biden (and Obuma!) Administration (I get nothing, although I was treated horribly!), PASSED,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
“Todd Blanche was a voice of reason! It will immediately be back on the table, and I will get it done. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
Blanche’s nomination has been in jeopardy for several weeks, with Cornyn and Tillis previously saying that there are other Republican senators who share their concerns.
