Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Rescinds $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund
Wertynews.com – Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially rescinded the controversial anti-weaponization fund through a formal order issued Sunday evening. This significant decision comes after Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn threatened to block Blanche’s confirmation for the permanent position to lead the Justice Department. The order explicitly states that the Attorney General’s May 18, 2026 Order establishing the Anti-Weaponization Fund is now rescinded and shall have no force or effect going forward.
The anti-weaponization fund was originally announced in May as part of a settlement to resolve President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department. This nearly $1.8 billion fund was designed to pay people who claim they were politically persecuted. According to the order, no members were appointed to the fund, no funds were transferred, and no process for receiving claims was established. Furthermore, no claims were paid despite the fund’s creation.
Legal Challenges and Court Decisions
Despite the fund never becoming fully operational, several frivolous lawsuits have been filed challenging the Anti-Weaponization Fund. At least one court has declined to dismiss those claims as moot, which likely contributed to the decision to formally rescind the fund. The order continues by stating that this rescission establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no longer any fund in existence. This legal clarification aims to prevent further unnecessary litigation and confusion among potential claimants.
Senators Tillis and Cornyn have refused to vote for Blanche as the full-time attorney general unless it is put in writing that President Trump will no longer pursue the anti-weaponization fund. This political pressure appears to have been a decisive factor in the timing and nature of the rescission order. The Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche is scheduled for Tuesday, making this development particularly timely for the confirmation process.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the situation in a post on X, explaining the reasoning behind the order. “My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,” Blanche said. “We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order.” This statement highlights the collaborative approach taken to resolve the issue before the confirmation vote.
What This Means for Future Claims
The rescission of the anti-weaponization fund has significant implications for individuals who may have been considering filing claims. With the fund officially rescinded and no longer having any force or effect, potential claimants will need to explore other avenues for seeking compensation. The order specifically notes that nothing in this rescission is intended to contradict or otherwise be contrary to prior representations by the Department of Justice that the Fund is not operative.
This development represents a significant shift in the administration’s approach to addressing claims of political persecution. By formally rescinding the fund, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has provided clarity and closure to what has been a contentious issue. The decision also demonstrates responsiveness to congressional concerns while maintaining the integrity of the Justice Department’s operations.
“This Order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.” – Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s Rescission Order
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the anti-weaponization fund originally established? The anti-weaponization fund was established through the Attorney General’s May 18, 2026 Order as part of a settlement to resolve President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department.
How much money was allocated for the anti-weaponization fund? The fund was allocated nearly $1.8 billion to pay people who claim they were politically persecuted.
Why did Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescind the fund? The fund was rescinded after Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn threatened to block Blanche’s confirmation for the permanent position to lead the Justice Department unless the fund was formally rescinded.
What happens to pending lawsuits related to the fund? Several frivolous lawsuits have been filed challenging the Fund, and at least one court has declined to dismiss those claims as moot. The rescission order aims to provide clarity for these ongoing legal challenges.
When is the Senate Judiciary Committee vote scheduled? The Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche is scheduled for Tuesday following the rescission order.
