Acting AG Todd Blanche reaches deal with holdout senators to scrap $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund



After a weekslong standoff between senators and the Trump administration, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Sunday night that the parties had reached a deal and that had he issued an order “officially” rescinding a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.

“My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,” Blanche wrote on X. “We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order and update with regard to the May IRS settlement. The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress.”

Attached to his post was a signed order that said, “The Attorney General’s May 18, 2026 Order establishing the Anti-Weaponization Fund (‘Fund’) is rescinded and shall have nor force or effect.”

“This order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no fund,” the order read.

Blanche’s announcement comes two days before the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote his nomination to be attorney general in a permanent capacity.

The fund was part of a settlement agreement that stemmed from a lawsuit President Donald Trump filed against the IRS, which also shielded the Trump family from tax audits. The fund has been criticized in part because the payouts could extend to participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.

Blanche faced pushback from key GOP Sens. John Cornyn, of Texas, and Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, who said their support for him hinged on the administration’s rescinding its plans for the fund.

Tillis and Cornyn have feuded with Trump in the past. Tillis announced he would not seek re-election; Cornyn was unseated by Trump-endorsed GOP primary challenger Ken Paxton. The two senators previously said other senators shared their concerns about the fund but did not sit on the Judiciary Committee and therefore could not vote for or against Blanche until his nomination came before the full Senate.

Blanche had testified before Congress that the fund was dead, but Trump threatened Saturday to “push hard” to revive it.

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who is on the Judiciary Committee, told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday that he would exclude Jan. 6 rioters from any legislation that would codify the $1.8 billion fund.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    AI’s Wobbly House of Cards Puts Markets and US Economy at Risk

    (Bloomberg) — The heads of America’s leading AI development labs have started a national conversation about tapping the brakes on a technology that’s offering so much promise for society, while…

    Continue reading
    3 notable business takes that flew under the radar this week

    AI safety debates. Warnings about human extinction. The first Fed rate hike in three years. The return of market volatility. It has been a super-busy week for investors. And, frankly,…

    Continue reading

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Projecting the College Football Playoff top 12 after Week 3

    Projecting the College Football Playoff top 12 after Week 3

    This El Niño Has Reached ‘Super’ Status. Here’s What That Means

    This El Niño Has Reached ‘Super’ Status. Here’s What That Means

    Retiring Smithsonian head Lonnie G. Bunch III: “You can run from history, but you can’t hide”

    Retiring Smithsonian head Lonnie G. Bunch III: “You can run from history, but you can’t hide”

    Only 255 Were Built, But This Airbus Twinjet Rewrote The Rules Of Ocean Crossings

    Only 255 Were Built, But This Airbus Twinjet Rewrote The Rules Of Ocean Crossings

    Disney Plus Just Proved You Won’t Be Able to Escape Ads On Any Tier

    Disney Plus Just Proved You Won’t Be Able to Escape Ads On Any Tier

    AI’s Wobbly House of Cards Puts Markets and US Economy at Risk

    AI’s Wobbly House of Cards Puts Markets and US Economy at Risk