Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded the controversial Anti Weaponization Fund, removing a major obstacle to his Senate confirmation after Republican lawmakers demanded its cancellation.
Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina had delayed Blanche’s nomination over concerns that the proposed $1.8 billion fund could benefit supporters of President Donald Trump. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday.
The U.S. Justice Department confirmed that Blanche signed an order revoking the May 18, 2026 directive that created the fund. The department also clarified that a separate order restricting the Internal Revenue Service from reopening certain tax audits applied only to the original plaintiffs, including Trump and his family, and only for tax matters before May 18, 2026.
Cornyn’s office said the written assurances provided by the Justice Department addressed his concerns, including confirmation that the fund had been permanently terminated and that the tax settlement had a limited legal scope.
The Anti Weaponization Fund was created as part of a settlement between Trump and the Justice Department over his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, which he accused of improperly handling his tax records. Critics argued the fund could channel taxpayer money to Trump allies, while supporters maintained it was intended to compensate individuals they believed had been unfairly targeted by the federal government.
Despite previously saying the fund was dead, Trump recently indicated he would support legislation to establish a similar programme if Blanche remains in office.
Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April, following the dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
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