Trump, Senate Clash Over “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as Todd Blanche’s Attorney-General Nomination Stalls

President Donald Trump announced at Camp David that the $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” – a proposed compensation scheme for individuals prosecuted after the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack – is “dead,” while simultaneously suggesting he wishes it were not. The statement came as Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina refused to support the confirmation of Todd Blanche, the president’s former personal attorney now serving as acting attorney general, until they receive written assurances that the fund will not be created.

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The fund was intended to compensate people the president described as “ruined” by prosecutions stemming from the Capitol riot. Critics argue the proposal amounts to self-dealing for Trump’s allies.

Associated Press

The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed the vote on Blanche’s nomination after Cornyn and Tillis demanded clarification on both the fund’s status and a separate settlement that would grant Trump and his family immunity from future tax audits of more than 100 Trump-related entities. Tillis described Blanche as “forthright, thoughtful and patient,” blaming an “incompetent personal adviser” for the impasse.

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Sen. Thom Tillis warned that the president’s continued advocacy for the fund is why the Senate is attempting to end it formally. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana echoed the sentiment, noting that most Senate Republicans are uncomfortable with the settlement and that Blanche testified the fund “is dead.” Both senators emphasized that any revival of the fund would require a written guarantee.

Associated Press

• “Todd Blanche said it was limited to the parties to the litigation — and it was retrospective, not prospective,” — Republican Sens. John Cornyn

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• “I think as far as Blanche and the Department of Justice, we were pretty much on the same page,” — Republican Sens. John Cornyn

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• “Blanche said it’s dead, and he testified that it’s not coming back,” — Republican Sen. John Kennedy, of Louisiana

Associated Press