Senate Judiciary Committee Examines Blanche’s Confirmation Amid Fund Termination
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15, 2026, during his confirmation process in Washington. Blanche issued an order on Sunday terminating a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” linked to President Donald Trump. This development followed prolonged negotiations with two Republican senators who had stalled Blanche’s nomination.
A representative for Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, one of the senators holding up the nomination, confirmed the resolution. This decision precedes a planned vote on Tuesday regarding Blanche’s confirmation by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The other senator involved, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, did not offer immediate remarks.
During a hearing in June, Blanche expressed that the fund would not advance due to bipartisan concerns. Notably, potential compensation to individuals, including those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, had sparked outrage. Cornyn and Tillis, both part of the Judiciary Committee, requested written assurance before endorsing Blanche, especially since Trump had shown interest in the fund.
“My team and I have been in extensive discussions with committee members and senators over recent weeks to address their concerns,” Blanche stated.
Decisive DOJ Order Rescinds Fund
In a statement accompanying the order, the Justice Department unequivocally stated that the fund is terminated. Despite previous communications to Congress and courts affirming this, the order officially nullifies the May 18, 2026, directive.
The Justice Department further clarified, “No members were appointed, no funds transferred, no claims process established, and no claims paid.” The document also revises Trump and his family’s tax audit immunity clause, limiting retroactive protection only.
Republican Opposition to Blanche’s Nomination
Cornyn, ousted in recent elections after Trump supported his rival, and Tillis, set to retire, have opposed Blanche’s nomination amid substantial GOP critiques of the fund. The Judiciary Committee postponed a vote previously scheduled as Tillis and Cornyn demanded more from the administration.
Cornyn remarked, “We were aligned with Blanche and the Justice Department, but the president’s disapproval stalled progress.” Blanche has been instrumental in Trump’s legal affairs, starting as deputy attorney general, later becoming acting attorney general following Pam Bondi’s dismissal.
Trump’s Continued Support for Fund
Despite ongoing talks, Trump reiterated support for the fund, stressing the negative impact on those facing charges from the Capitol riot. Following the vote delay, Trump suggested he might withdraw Blanche’s nomination until after Cornyn and Tillis depart Congress.
Trump also announced plans to appeal a court’s criticism of the IRS lawsuit settlement, challenging its legitimacy. The judge had questioned Blanche’s involvement given his history as Trump’s defense lawyer. Blanche rejected these insinuations, affirming his disagreement with the court’s determination.
Earlier, Justice Department representatives informed courts that the fund was inactive but resisted a judicial request for formal declarations from Blanche and other officials confirming this status, deeming such demands unnecessary.