Blanche Rescinds Trump's $1.8bn 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal order late on Sunday, August 3, 2026, terminating Donald Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund." This fund was intended to compensate Trump's political allies and had been widely criticized as a "slush fund." The termination follows weeks of negotiations with two Republican senators who had been blocking Blanche's nomination to become the permanent Attorney General. While Blanche had previously stated publicly that the fund was defunct, the Justice Department had not formally confirmed this in writing, leading to concerns among lawmakers that it could be revived in some capacity. These concerns were amplified by Donald Trump's continued public support for the concept of such a fund.

The formal rescission of the fund is a significant development aimed at addressing the objections raised by Republican senators, specifically Senators Susan Collins and Lindsey Graham, who had voiced concerns about the fund's potential misuse and lack of transparency. Their support is considered crucial for Blanche's confirmation. The "anti-weaponization fund" was established by Donald Trump during his presidency, ostensibly to provide financial support to individuals or groups who claimed to have been targeted or "weaponized" by government agencies or political opponents. However, critics argued that the fund was designed to reward political loyalty and potentially fund legal defenses for Trump and his associates, rather than serve a legitimate public purpose.

Todd Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, was nominated by President Trump to serve as the Attorney General. His nomination has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding his past actions and associations, including his role in defending Trump. The Justice Department's initial reluctance to formally disavow the "anti-weaponization fund" had created a political hurdle for Blanche's confirmation process. By issuing this formal order, Blanche aims to demonstrate his commitment to ethical governance and distance himself from any controversial financial mechanisms associated with the former president. This action is intended to satisfy the concerns of the Republican senators and pave the way for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The termination of the $1.8 billion fund represents a decisive move by Blanche to navigate the complex political landscape surrounding his nomination. The fund's rescission is a direct response to the specific objections raised by key senators, highlighting the delicate balance of power and negotiation within the confirmation process. The Justice Department's previous stance, which avoided a definitive written statement on the fund's status, had allowed for speculation and continued opposition. Blanche's proactive step to formally dissolve the fund aims to remove this obstacle and secure the necessary votes for his appointment as Attorney General. The outcome of his nomination hearing, now anticipated to proceed with fewer impediments, will be closely watched.