Blanche terminates fund for Trump allies after GOP senators threaten to block his attorney general bid

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially terminated a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund originally intended to compensate President Donald Trump’s political allies. This decision follows intensive negotiations with Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had previously blocked Blanche’s confirmation to the position of attorney general. The senators demanded a written guarantee that the fund would not be utilized, especially following concerns that it might benefit individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Although the Department of Justice had previously indicated the fund was not moving forward, the formal order serves to clarify the issue beyond doubt before the upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee vote. Additionally, the order includes provisions clarifying that the associated tax audit immunity agreement does not protect the president from future tax filing examinations. President Trump has continued to express support for the fund, arguing it would provide necessary reimbursement for those who suffered unfairly. Despite the administration's initial resistance to formalizing this cancellation, the move was deemed essential for securing the necessary support for Blanche’s confirmation. Trump had even considered withdrawing the nomination to avoid conceding to the senators' demands. Following the formal order, the path for Blanche’s confirmation to attorney general appears clearer within the committee. The resolution marks a significant development in the political tensions surrounding the Justice Department’s recent initiatives.