Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Faces Confirmation Hurdle Over Controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, appointed in April 2024, has overseen the creation of a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” stemming from a settlement of former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS after a leak of his tax records. The fund is intended to compensate people who say they were harmed by what Trump calls government “weaponization,” a label applied to prosecutions of his allies and, potentially, to participants in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Lawmakers objected, and a judge temporarily blocked the fund on May 29 2026.

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The fund stems from a settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax records, creating a mechanism for compensating individuals who claim they were harmed by investigations—a flashpoint in political climate.

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The dispute tests the Justice Department’s independence and threatens Blanche’s chances for a permanent appointment. Senate confirmation now hinges on whether Republicans view the fund as a partisan “slush fund” or a legitimate compensation mechanism, and on the judge’s finding of possible political motivation in a prosecution.

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The DOJ spokesperson said Blanche maintains “strong, productive relationships with both Congress and the courts” and that claims of institutional opposition are “simply false.” Blanche says the fund has no partisan eligibility criteria. The department will appeal Judge Crenshaw’s dismissal, calling the ruling “wrong and dangerous.” Trump reiterated his support, framing the fund as relief for those harmed by Democratic policies.

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Senate Republicans, led by Cruz, described the meeting as “screaming” and warned taxpayer money could reward convicted rioters. Keisler warned of a “fundamental incompatibility” between Trump’s demands and the DOJ’s duty to operate independently. Crenshaw’s ruling linked Blanche’s prior remarks to investigations—a retaliatory investigation, challenging departmental impartiality. Legal-ethics scholars caution that Blanche’s close ties to Trump may skew his judgment when serving the public.

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• “The Republican senators were pissed,” — Senator Ted Cruz, Republican, Texas, podcast

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• “There's just a fundamental incompatibility between his (Trump’s) demand that the Justice Department carry out loyally all of his retributive goals, and his desire to see those things succeed in courts and before grand juries,” — Peter Keisler, former DOJ official

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• “Any notion that Acting AG Blanche lacks support from these institutions is simply false,” — DOJ spokesperson

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• “He’s lived this lawfare for years. He understands the viciousness of it. He understands the dangers of it,” — Mike Davis, head of the Article III Project

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The Senate is expected to schedule a confirmation vote after further negotiations on fund safeguards. The DOJ’s appeal of the Crenshaw decision remains pending, and additional lawsuits aim to block the fund through mid-June. Ongoing scrutiny may shape the administration’s approach to “lawfare” claims and the future composition of DOJ leadership.

Reuters