Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is set for a key vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his nomination as the next U.S. Attorney General. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have expressed that they require further assurances from Blanche before they can support his nomination. The senators are particularly concerned about the status of the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and modifications they seek to the IRS settlement agreement related to former President Donald Trump.
In May, Trump announced a $1.776 billion fund aimed at compensating individuals who claim to have been unfairly targeted under the Biden administration, in exchange for dropping a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. Following the announcement, Blanche, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney, signed an addendum to the settlement that would prevent ongoing audits of Trump's tax returns. This arrangement has led to accusations of self-dealing and bipartisan criticism regarding the potential use of taxpayer funds.
During Blanche's confirmation hearing on July 15, Cornyn highlighted that the original settlement establishing the fund has not been formally rescinded. Blanche acknowledged this but indicated that the Department of Justice would support measures to ensure the fund would not proceed. Cornyn stated that he is seeking a written commitment that aligns with Blanche's previous testimony, which claimed the fund is effectively inactive. Both Cornyn and Tillis have indicated that they will not support Blanche's nomination without these commitments.