GOP Senators End Opposition to Blanche’s AG Nomination After Fund Deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Republican senators who threatened to block acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation announced Monday they will support his nomination. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina said their support comes after a deal to rescind the $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which was proposed to settle a lawsuit involving President Donald Trump and the IRS.

The senators said their endorsement clears the way for the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday. The agreement also includes the Justice Department’s formal rescission of the fund, which critics argued could have been used to pay individuals who believed they were unfairly prosecuted by the department.

In a written order issued late Sunday, Blanche confirmed that the fund is no longer in existence. The order states that “there is no Fund,” noting that no members were appointed, no funds transferred, and no claims paid since the settlement was announced. The move was part of negotiations between the Justice Department and the senators, whose terms end in January.

Lawmakers had expressed concern that the fund could potentially be revived, especially since Trump has continued to defend the idea. Critics also raised issues about a separate settlement that grants broad immunity for Trump and his family from future tax audits, which the Justice Department clarified applies only retroactively to claims at the time of settlement.

While the fund’s rescission addresses some GOP concerns, Democrats argued it does not prevent future payments to Jan. 6 rioters or address ongoing tax immunity issues. Sen. Adam Schiff of California said the move leaves open the possibility of payouts to insurrectionists and could allow Trump to avoid taxes on significant income.

Blanche’s nomination faced delays last week after the Judiciary Committee postponed a vote, with Tillis and Cornyn demanding additional assurances from the administration. President Donald Trump later suggested he might resubmit Blanche’s nomination if the senators did not support him, citing concerns over the fund and the treatment of Jan. 6 defendants.

Blanche, a former Trump defense attorney, joined the Justice Department last year as deputy attorney general and was elevated to acting attorney general in April after Pam Bondi’s departure. He has since advocated for the Trump administration’s priorities and investigations into political opponents.

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