- Blanche signed a written order stating that there is no Fund and posted it on X late Sunday.
- Blanche met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks to address concerns regarding the fund.
- The Senate AG confirmation vote is still ahead, indicating ongoing political processes.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally withdrawn the proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund initiated by former President Donald Trump, which aimed to compensate individuals prosecuted for the January 6 Capitol riot. In a post on X, Blanche stated, "This Order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund."1
The fund's termination comes as Blanche seeks confirmation for his permanent role, which had been delayed due to concerns from Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. They were not satisfied with verbal assurances regarding the fund's status, prompting Blanche to clarify the situation publicly.
The fund was initially proposed to settle a lawsuit by Trump against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns and would have allowed Trump allies to claim compensation for what they deemed politically motivated prosecutions. However, it faced backlash from both Democrats and some Republicans, who feared it could lead to payments for individuals convicted of serious offenses during the Capitol riot.
Following a federal judge's concerns about ethical guidelines and the fund's implications, Blanche abandoned the plan. The Senate judiciary committee is scheduled to meet soon, potentially paving the way for Blanche's confirmation as attorney general.
“Blanche said on X late Sunday that he had 'met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions.' Attached to the post was a copy of the written order signed by Blanche.”
BBC
