Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has cleared a significant hurdle in his bid to lead the Justice Department after two key Republican senators agreed to support his nomination. Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced their backing on Monday, following a formal order from Blanche that officially rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The fund, initially proposed as part of a settlement between President Donald Trump and the IRS, had faced intense bipartisan scrutiny over concerns that it could be used to compensate individuals, including Jan. 6 defendants, who claimed they were unfairly targeted by the government.
The standoff had stalled Blanche’s progress through the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Cornyn and Tillis demanding written assurances that the fund would not be revived. Blanche’s Sunday order explicitly states that the fund is “rescinded and shall have no force or effect,” aiming to settle doubts about its status. Additionally, the order clarified that a separate provision in the settlement—which granted broad tax audit immunity to the president and his family—applies only to past claims and does not shield them from future IRS examinations.
This agreement removes the primary obstacle preventing the Senate Judiciary Committee from advancing Blanche’s nomination. While the full Senate must still hold a confirmation vote, the support of Cornyn and Tillis is a critical step for the Trump administration. The senators, both of whom are not seeking reelection, emphasized that their goal was to ensure clear, written accountability regarding the Justice Department’s actions.
Despite the resolution, the path forward remains subject to broader political dynamics. President Trump has continued to defend the concept of the fund, and some critics have questioned whether a unilateral order from an acting attorney general is legally binding or if the policy could be reinstated later. For now, the focus shifts to the upcoming committee vote, which is expected to proceed as scheduled, marking a pivotal moment in the confirmation process for the president’s nominee.