Blanche kills Trump fund but leaves legal loose ends

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's decision to rescind the order establishing a $1.776 billion fund aimed at curbing "lawfare" allegations against President Trump has effectively ended a Republican hold on his confirmation. This move, however, leaves the underlying settlement unresolved, as the terms of the agreement can only be amended through a written accord between the Trump administration and the government.

The Senate Republicans, facing the potential loss of a crucial vote, have expressed relief at the decision as it moves Blanche closer to confirmation. The $1.8 billion fund was established following a May settlement reached with the IRS over Trump's tax disclosure, which included an apology to the President and his family, as well as releasing them from certain IRS claims and audits.

Blanche's decision to rescind the fund order does not alter the settlement's terms, which can only be modified by a formal agreement signed by the Trump administration. At his recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Blanche acknowledged the enforceability of the settlement, but also clarified that the protections it provided were limited to the named plaintiffs - Trump, some family members, and the Trump Organization.

The new order may prove decisive in securing Blanche's confirmation, as evidenced by a statement from Sen. John Cornyn's spokesperson, who said the measure was part of an agreement to permanently terminate the fund. However, Sen. Thom Tillis remains undecided, and a vote on the matter is scheduled for Tuesday.