DOJ Abandons Trump's $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund After GOP Pressure
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before a House subcommittee on June 2, 2026, that the Department of Justice will not proceed with President Trump's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, originally intended to settle a Trump lawsuit against the IRS. The decision followed Republican outcry and cleared a major obstacle to a $72 billion legislative package. Blanche stated the fund is dead, though Trump later expressed uncertainty about its status.
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Blanche Nomination Faces Republican Anger Over Anti-Weaponization Fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination for the permanent post is facing significant opposition from key Republicans due to his role in creating President Trump's proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general, informed Congress last week that the administration is not moving forward with the fund, but the anger among Republicans over the original proposal persists. The conflict threatens to derail or delay Blanche's confirmation, highlighting ongoing tensions within the party regarding the Department of Justice and allegations of political weaponization.
Just In NewsTrump defends 'anti-weaponization' fund as 'great idea' after DOJ drops it
President Trump defended his administration's short-lived 'anti-weaponization' fund during an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker, calling it a 'great idea' and claiming many Republicans agree. This comes days after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would not proceed with the fund. The fund was reportedly intended to address claims of political weaponization within the justice system, but its implementation was halted. Trump's remarks highlight ongoing tensions between the White House and DOJ over the initiative, which critics argue could undermine prosecutorial independence.
Just In NewsTrump Defers on Status of $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund
President Trump avoided giving a definitive answer on whether his proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund is permanently shelved or merely paused, following a statement by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that there are no plans to proceed with it. When asked directly in the Oval Office, Trump responded, 'It's a... I'd have to ask the lawyers. I don't know.' The fund was intended to address alleged weaponization of government agencies, but its future remains uncertain after Blanche's remarks. The exchange highlights internal ambiguity within the administration regarding the initiative's status.
Just In NewsTrump's Immunity Deal Stinks Even More Than His Blatantly Corrupt 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the Justice Department will not implement President Donald Trump's controversial 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded plan to compensate alleged victims of the Biden administration. However, Blanche stated that a separate provision shielding Trump and his family from liability for tax violations and other federal offenses remains in effect. This liability shield, revealed in a May 19 addendum signed by Blanche alone, bars the IRS from pursuing claims against Trump, his sons, the Trump Organization, and affiliated individuals based on past tax returns. The addendum extends beyond the IRS to bar the United States from pursuing any claims against Trump regarding matters before the IRS or Treasury Department. Critics argue the addendum violates federal law prohibiting presidential interference with IRS audits and investigations, and raises questions about how Blanche can dictate conduct of an agency he does not control.
Reason.comTrump Administration Abandons Controversial 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on Tuesday that the Trump administration will abandon plans for an 'anti-weaponization' fund, which had been widely criticized as a potential slush fund for President Trump to distribute money to political allies. The decision, communicated to House lawmakers, effectively removes a major obstacle to passing a $72 billion legislative package. Blanche stated unequivocally, 'We are not moving forward with the fund. Period.' The fund's abandonment represents a concession to Senate Republicans who opposed the measure, and it clears a path for the broader legislative package to advance.
Just In NewsTrump bows to Senate GOP with abandonment of 'anti-weaponization' fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on Tuesday that the Department of Justice will abandon plans for an 'anti-weaponization' fund, which had been widely criticized as a potential slush fund for President Trump to distribute money to political allies. The decision, communicated to House lawmakers, effectively removes a major obstacle to a $72 billion legislative package. Blanche stated unequivocally, 'We are not moving forward with the fund. Period.' The move represents a concession by the Trump administration to Senate Republicans who had opposed the fund, clearing the path for the broader spending bill to advance.
Just In NewsActing AG Todd Blanche Confirms Trump's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Is Dead After Republican Pressure
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing that the Department of Justice will not move forward with Donald Trump's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which was intended to support Trump's allies. The announcement follows a major court loss and pressure from Republican lawmakers who wanted the fund killed to advance budget reconciliation. Rep. Grace Meng pressed Blanche on whether the decision was permanent, and he affirmed it was. However, Blanche refused to sign formal documents reversing the DOJ's position, stating a hearing transcript would suffice. The article notes that Blanche has not backed down from another controversial aspect of Trump's IRS settlement: blanket immunity from audits for the president and his family.
The New RepublicTodd Blanche Confirms Trump's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Is Dead After Republican Outcry
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing that Donald Trump's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is permanently terminated. The fund, intended to support Trump's allies, was suspended after a major court loss and faced opposition from Republican lawmakers seeking to advance budget reconciliation. Ranking member Grace Meng pressed Blanche on whether the fund would ever be revived, and he stated definitively it would not. However, Blanche refused to sign formal documents reversing the Department of Justice's position, claiming a hearing transcript sufficed. The article notes that Blanche has not rescinded a separate provision granting Trump and his family blanket immunity from IRS audits, which critics say enables financial crimes.
The New RepublicActing AG Todd Blanche Confirms Trump's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Is Dead After Republican Outcry
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing that the Department of Justice will not move forward with Donald Trump's proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for his allies. The announcement came after Republican lawmakers urged the White House to abandon the fund to advance budget reconciliation. When pressed by Ranking Member Grace Meng whether the decision was permanent, Blanche stated 'Correct.' The DOJ had previously agreed to suspend the project until June 12 following a court loss in the Eastern District of Virginia. Blanche declined to sign formal documents reversing the DOJ's position, arguing his verbal testimony was sufficient. The article notes that Blanche has not backed off a separate aspect of Trump's IRS settlement granting blanket immunity from audits for the president and his family.
The New RepublicDOJ abandons Trump anti-weaponization fund, Acting AG Blanche says
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee on June 2, 2026, that the Department of Justice will not proceed with a planned $1.8 billion compensation fund. The fund was originally created to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the Internal Revenue Service. Blanche stated unequivocally, 'We are not moving forward with the fund, period,' and added that the DOJ would not operate the fund regardless of the outcome of lawsuits challenging its legality. The testimony came during a hearing on oversight of the Department of Justice.
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