GOP Sens. Cornyn, Tillis Confirm Support for Todd Blanche as AG After 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund Deal
The senators said a written order killed the $1.8 billion fund and narrowed tax-audit protections for Trump and his family.
- On Monday, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally rescinded President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," prompting Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis to agree to advance his nomination.
- Cornyn and Tillis had previously blocked the nomination, demanding written confirmation that the fund—created in May to compensate Trump's political allies—would be permanently terminated amid bipartisan criticism over potential payments to January 6 rioters.
- Blanche's Sunday order confirms "No Members were appointed; no funds were transferred; no process for receiving claims was established; no claims were paid." The order clarifies tax audit immunity "applies by its terms only retroactively" and does not shield future filings.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's nomination on Tuesday morning, with Cornyn and Tillis expressing "gratitude" for the agreement and confirming support to advance it to the full U.S. Senate.
- Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff and other critics argue the deal lacks enforcement, warning the fund could be revived and that Trump retains an "unprecedented, unconscionable benefit" from the tax immunity provision despite the formal rescission.
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189 Articles
Donald Trump's former private lawyer could now become the highest criminal persecutor: Two Republican senators defied Todd Blanche's written guarantees – and gave up their opposition to his nomination.
Blanche wins support from GOP holdouts after scrapping fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche cleared a major hurdle in his push to permanently lead the Department of Justice. He reached a deal with two GOP senators who had said they would block his nomination. Blanche put into writing that the DOJ is scrapping a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that could have provided settlements to the Trump allies, including Jan. 6 rioters. Ali Rogin reports.
Trump attorney general pick looks set to clear US Senate hurdle
President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Todd Blanche appeared on track Monday to become the next US attorney general after two Republican senators dropped their opposition to his nomination.
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