Acting United States Attorney General Todd Blanche formally eliminated a controversial compensation fund valued at approximately $1.8 billion. The decision was established through an order signed and published on Sunday night. The program had generated intense political, legal, and budgetary criticism since its creation. Its cancellation removes one of the primary obstacles to Blanche’s permanent confirmation. The program was officially known as the Government Anti-Weaponization Fund.
Its declared purpose was to compensate people who claimed they had been unfairly targeted by federal institutions. Supporters argued that several investigations and prosecutions had been used for partisan purposes. However, those allegations have not been broadly established as proven legal facts. Critics warned that the fund could become a mechanism for benefiting political allies of President Donald Trump. Concerns also emerged over possible claims from people convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Lawmakers from both parties questioned the use of public resources to finance such compensation.
The absence of clearly defined eligibility standards increased concerns about who could receive the money. The fund never became fully operational before the Department of Justice eliminated it. No administrators were appointed, and no money was transferred to begin its operations. No applications were reviewed, and no payments were approved for potential beneficiaries. A federal judge had temporarily blocked its implementation while considering several related lawsuits. Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis became the principal obstacles to Blanche’s nomination. Both demanded written confirmation that the fund would be permanently abolished.
They considered Blanche’s previous statements during his confirmation hearing insufficient. Their opposition threatened to stop the nomination inside the Senate Judiciary Committee. The two senators also requested explanations regarding an agreement involving previous Internal Revenue Service audits. That agreement affects Trump, his sons, and several of his businesses in a dispute with the tax agency. Blanche clarified that the conditions apply only to the identified parties and earlier tax periods. According to the Justice Department, future tax returns may still be examined.
After receiving the order and the corresponding clarifications, Cornyn and Tillis announced their support for Blanche. Their change of position allows the previously stalled confirmation process to move forward. The Judiciary Committee must first vote to send the nomination to the full Senate. Blanche will then need sufficient support to obtain the position permanently. The cancellation also represents a political concession to Republicans concerned about the Justice Department’s use of power.
Blanche served as Trump’s personal attorney before joining the administration and temporarily assuming leadership of the department. That relationship has raised questions about his ability to act independently. The controversy surrounding the fund intensified scrutiny of his nomination. Trump had defended the idea of compensating people he considers victims of political persecution. He also expressed frustration with the senators who were blocking Blanche’s confirmation.
Although the administrative fund has been officially canceled, Congress could attempt to create a similar program through legislation. Any new proposal would require a political and budgetary debate on Capitol Hill.
The order removes a significant obstacle but does not automatically guarantee Todd Blanche’s confirmation. Senators must still evaluate his independence, experience, and decisions as acting attorney general. Democrats will continue questioning agreements connected with Trump and the Justice Department’s conduct. The final vote will reveal the extent of Republican support for the presidential nominee.
