Acting AG Todd Blanche Terminates Trump’s $1.8 Billion Compensation Fund
Late Sunday, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche officially ended President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” intended to benefit his political allies. This decision comes after prolonged negotiations with two Republican senators who delayed Blanche’s nomination as attorney general.
A spokesperson for Texas Senator John Cornyn confirmed the deal, which precedes a Tuesday vote on Blanche’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, the other senator obstructing the nomination, had no immediate comments.
Fund Termination Amid Controversy
During a June hearing, Blanche realized the fund’s continuation faced bipartisan criticism, particularly regarding possible disbursements to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Despite Trump’s ongoing support, Cornyn and Tillis insisted on written assurance before endorsing Blanche. Blanche stated that the order followed “good faith discussions” with committee members.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that “although the Acting Attorney General has advised Congress through testimony, including under oath, and within written responses that the Fund is not progressing, today’s Order formally rescinds the May 18, 2026, Order.”
Since announcing a settlement with the IRS, the DOJ order stated no members were appointed, no funds were transferred, no claims were received, and no claims were paid. The document Blanche released also limits a settlement provision granting Trump and his family broad tax audit immunity. This immunity applies retroactively and does not protect future tax filings.
Cornyn, Tillis Maintain Opposition
Cornyn, having lost reelection after Trump’s endorsement of his opponent, and Tillis, set to retire, have consistently opposed Blanche’s nomination. Many GOP members criticized the fund’s establishment. The Judiciary Committee postponed Blanche’s nomination vote after Cornyn and Tillis required more assurance from the administration.
Both senators expressed DOJ interest in resolving the issue, yet the White House remained rigid despite Blanche’s commitment to Trump’s agenda as acting AG. Cornyn remarked, “We were on the same page,” but Trump’s disapproval prevented progress.
Trump Defends the Fund
Negotiations continued over weeks, during which Trump consistently backed the fund and warned of advancing it should Blanche’s nomination face further obstruction. Trump threatened to resubmit Blanche’s nomination after Cornyn and Tillis leave office next year.
On Sunday, Trump asserted compensation was warranted for those affected by the January 6 charges, describing it as reimbursement for their suffering, stating, “A lot of people like it.”
Following a judge’s critical appraisal of the IRS settlement as self-serving, Trump’s attorneys planned to appeal. The judge proposed potential disciplinary action against Trump’s attorney and questioned Blanche’s settlement role. Blanche objected to the judge’s inferences.
The DOJ deemed a court request for Blanche and other officials to formally declare the fund’s discontinuation unnecessary.