Trump pledges to pursue ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund amid Blanche standoff

President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to an "anti-weaponisation fund" that has drawn bipartisan criticism for potentially using taxpayer resources to reward political allies. The fund originated from a settlement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service following a $10 billion lawsuit filed by the president against the federal tax agency.

Todd Blanche, Trump's former criminal defense attorney currently serving as interim attorney general, oversaw the fund's initial creation. However, two Republican senators—John Cornyn and Thom Tillis—have blocked Blanche's confirmation to the permanent position, citing insufficient guarantees that the fund could not be resurrected. Although Blanche has stated the fund is defunct, the senators remain unconvinced of permanent safeguards.

Trump has escalated pressure on the senators through public statements. On Friday, he expressed regret that the fund was no longer active. By Saturday, he escalated further, threatening that if Cornyn and Tillis did not support Blanche, he would pursue legislation to establish the "anti-weaponisation bill" and maintain Blanche as acting attorney general, bypassing Senate confirmation entirely.

The fund was designed to provide compensation to individuals who claimed political persecution during the Biden administration. Critics, including law enforcement officials, worry the fund could be used to compensate Trump supporters involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach. Republican leadership has also characterized the fund as politically damaging ahead of November midterm elections. A planned Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance Blanche was cancelled, as all committee Republicans must unanimously support his nomination for advancement.