WASHINGTON — Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded the Trump administration's controversial "anti-weaponization" fund, removing a key obstacle to his Senate confirmation as attorney general after two Republican senators threatened to oppose his nomination.
Blanche issued a written order on Sunday revoking the Justice Department's May 18 order establishing the roughly $1.8 billion fund, declaring that it "shall have no force or effect." The Justice Department also said the fund was never operational, with no board members appointed, no money distributed and no claims processed.
The fund was created as part of a settlement resolving President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. It was intended to compensate individuals who alleged they had been subjected to politically motivated government investigations, but critics argued it could become a vehicle to benefit Trump allies, including people connected to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Blanche said the decision followed weeks of discussions with lawmakers. Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina had sought written assurances that the fund would be permanently eliminated before supporting Blanche's confirmation.
In a separate clarification, the Justice Department narrowed language related to protections from IRS audits contained in the settlement, stating that future tax filings by Trump and the parties covered by the agreement remain subject to audit.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche's nomination on Tuesday. President Trump has continued to voice support for the concept of compensating individuals he says were unfairly targeted by federal investigations, while indicating he would keep Blanche in the acting role if confirmation were delayed.
