Acting attorney general issues order rescinding "anti-weaponization fund"
The order came after Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn threatened to block Blanche's confirmation for Attorney General if the fund was not rescinded in writing.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order on Sunday evening officially cancelling plans to create a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate President Trump's allies. The order followed weeks of negotiations with Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, who threatened to block Blanche's confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
The May 18, 2026 order establishing the Anti-Weaponization Fund is rescinded and has no force or effect. No members were appointed, no funds were transferred, no claims process was established, and no claims were paid. Despite several lawsuits challenging the fund, a court declined to dismiss the claims as moot. Blanche clarified that the tax audit immunity provision of the settlement applies only to claims open at the time of the settlement, not to future tax filings.
Cornyn and Tillis said they would vote to advance Blanche's nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee given his commitments on the fund and immunity provisions. However, a former Justice Department lawyer disputed the effectiveness of Blanche's action, stating that the fund could be revived in the future. Blanche affirmed his testimony at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and included a transcript of his exchange with Senators Cornyn and Tillis regarding the fund's status.
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