Full Breakdown
Senate Judiciary Committee Clears Todd Blanche’s Nomination After “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Is Rescinded
8/4/2026, 9:53:47 PM
Core Event
On August 4 2026, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general. The vote followed Blanche’s written order rescinding the Justice Department’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and narrowing a tax-audit immunity provision tied to a settlement with President Donald Trump and his family. The committee’s approval sends the nomination to the full Senate.
Background & Context
President Trump nominated Blanche in June 2026 after firing former attorney general Pam Bondi. Blanche, a former personal-defense lawyer for the president, had overseen a settlement with the IRS that created two controversial elements:
- an “anti-weaponization” fund of roughly $1.8 billion intended to compensate individuals who claimed political targeting, including some convicted in the January 6 2021 Capitol riot; and
- an immunity provision that would shield Trump, his two oldest sons, and the Trump Organization from future IRS audits.
Republican Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) blocked the nomination until Blanche provided written assurances that the fund was dead and that the immunity applied only retroactively to pending claims.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 18 2026 | DOJ order creates the anti-weaponization fund. |
| July 15 2026 | Blanche testifies, stating the fund is “dead.” |
| July 30 2026 | Committee vote postponed during negotiations. |
| August 4 2026 | Committee votes 12-10 to advance the nomination. |
Data & Statistics
- $1.8 billion – size of the proposed fund.
- 12-10 – committee vote margin; all Republicans for, all Democrats against.
- 2 – Republican holdout senators whose assurances unlocked the vote (Cornyn, Tillis).
Official Statements & Responses
- Sen. John Cornyn said the written order satisfied his “specific assurances in writing.”
- Sen. Thom Tillis declared he was “satisfied” that the “payout pot for punks” had been rescinded.
- Sen. Dick Durbin (ranking Democrat) warned the rescission is not signed by the settlement parties and is therefore “unenforceable.”
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic committee members argued Blanche’s actions do not guarantee lasting protection against a revived fund or broader tax immunity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Potential for fund revival – Senators Durbin and Whitehouse contend the Justice Department could issue a new order after confirmation, while the Republican holdouts claim the written order makes revival “highly unlikely.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think as far as Blanche and the Department of Justice, we were pretty much on the same page,” — Sen. John Cornyn.
- “It’s done. It’s been rescinded, and I am satisfied,” — Sen. Thom Tillis.
- “Formally rescinding the fund and clarifying the scope of release of claims has put this issue to bed once and for all,” — Rep. Chuck Grassley, committee chairman.
What’s Next
The nomination now proceeds to the full Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated a desire to schedule a floor vote before the August recess, though timing remains uncertain. Republicans will need to retain at least all but two of their votes, while all 47 Democrats have signaled opposition. The outcome will determine whether Blanche becomes the permanent head of the Justice Department or remains in an acting capacity.
