Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has rescinded a fund established by President Donald Trump and described as an “anti-weaponization” initiative, according to reports. The move came ahead of Blanche’s nomination hearing and removes an obstacle to his consideration for attorney general.
The fund had drawn opposition from some Republican senators, who threatened to block Blanche’s confirmation unless it was scrapped. Reports characterize the fund as totaling $1.8 billion and intended to support Trump allies in what they viewed as efforts to challenge alleged government weaponization.
Blanche also provided written assurances to Republican senators concerning Trump’s deal involving the Internal Revenue Service. The reported agreement appears to have addressed concerns among holdouts and helped clear a path for Blanche’s nomination.
The developments place Blanche’s confirmation effort in the context of negotiations over the administration’s use of federal resources and its policies toward perceived political opponents. Further details about the fund’s operations and the terms of the IRS assurances were not provided in the reports summarized here.
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