Trump Threatens to Revive ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund Amid Stalled Attorney General Nomination
President Donald Trump escalated tensions on Friday over the stalled attorney general nomination of Todd Blanche, threatening to revive the controversial ‘Anti-Weaponization’ fund. His remarks on Truth Social target Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who have opposed the nominee.
In a post, Trump declared that if the senators do not approve Blanche, he will maintain Blanche as Acting Attorney General while pushing for the ‘Anti-Weaponization Bill’ to be passed. This marks Trump’s latest and strongest declaration in this ongoing confirmation battle.
Earlier threats from Trump suggested withdrawing Blanche’s nomination if the senators continued their resistance. Friday’s comments link the nomination process directly to the legislation intended to revive the disputed fund. Trump accused the senators of personal grievances, mentioning Cornyn’s unsuccessful reelection bid and Tillis’s choice not to seek another term.
“It’s dead,” Trump told reporters regarding the fund. “But I wish it weren’t, to be honest with you.”
Despite being defended by Trump online, the fund is described as effectively finished. Both Trump and Blanche have stated at various times that the fund has seen no movement from Treasury accounts.
Trump emphasized that the bill would address grievances against the Biden administration while portraying Blanche as a ‘voice of reason’. The push to revive the fund reveals a central point of contention between the White House and Republican Senators.
The stalled nomination may serve as leverage for Trump to promote the bill’s passage through Congress. Blanche’s former roles include representing Trump in legal matters, having served as acting attorney general since the departure of Pam Bondi. Cornyn and Tillis have demanded guarantees that the fund will remain dormant, stemming from their concerns over administrative safeguards.
Trump, however, urges unity among Republicans to support his nominee, rejecting the senators’ demands. The fund was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in May.
With tensions high, Trump’s latest warning suggests Blanche could continue as acting AG until Congress decides the fund’s fate. The GOP faces internal rifts over this crucial nomination.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman expressed skepticism over Blanche’s confirmative prospects, citing Trump’s lack of leverage. Next week, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to review Blanche’s nomination, with Republican solidarity crucial in the face of Democratic opposition.