Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has revoked an order that established the “anti-weaponization” fund, clearing the path for his confirmation before a crucial Senate committee vote on Tuesday. Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina had delayed Blanche’s nomination while seeking written assurances that the Justice Department would not proceed with the fund, which critics have labeled as a slush fund for Trump’s supporters.
“The Department of Justice today announced that the Acting Attorney General rescinded the May 18, 2026 Order that established ‘The Anti-Weaponization Fund,'” as per a copy of the order shared by Blanche. The Republican senators had also raised concerns about a Justice Department order preventing the IRS from pursuing audits into previous tax claims for Trump, his family, and his businesses for tax returns filed before May 18.
Senator Cornyn’s spokesperson, Natalie Yezbick, stated that an agreement has been reached with the Department of Justice. The agreement includes a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund and clarifying in a binding written document that the scope of the audit settlement is limited to the plaintiffs, including the president and the IRS.
Blanche’s order clarified that the tax order applied retroactively. Despite previous statements by Trump declaring the fund dead, he mentioned that Blanche would remain in his acting position if not confirmed by the Senate, and he would urge Congress to formalize the proposed anti-weaponization fund.
Senator Tillis expressed doubts about Blanche’s confirmation due to Trump’s change in stance. However, he expressed hope that the issue could be resolved before the Senate judiciary committee’s nomination vote scheduled for Tuesday. Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April, following Trump’s dismissal of Pam Bondi.
The now-revoked fund was established as part of a legal settlement between Trump and the Justice Department to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS concerning the mishandling of his tax records. Proponents argue that the fund aimed to compensate individuals unjustly targeted by the government, while critics raised concerns that it could allocate taxpayer funds to Trump allies, potentially including individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
