President Donald Trump received a major boost on Monday after two Republican senators announced they would support Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination, clearing the way for a key confirmation vote after weeks of uncertainty.
The breakthrough came after Blanche formally rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, addressing the primary concern raised by several Republican lawmakers. The decision appears to have ended a standoff that had threatened to delay one of the Trump administration’s most important Justice Department appointments.
Republican Senators Back Todd Blanche
Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced they will vote to advance Blanche’s nomination through the Senate Judiciary Committee after receiving written confirmation that the proposed compensation fund had been permanently canceled.
The senators had previously warned they would not support the nomination without official documentation showing the program was no longer under consideration.
In a joint statement, Cornyn and Tillis praised Blanche for working with them to resolve the issue.
“We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon.”
Their announcement marks a significant victory for President Trump, whose administration had been working for weeks to secure enough Republican support for Blanche’s confirmation.
Justice Department Officially Ends Controversial Fund
Late Sunday, Blanche signed an order officially canceling the proposed $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, putting an end to one of the biggest controversies surrounding his nomination.
The proposal had been designed to compensate individuals who believed they had been unfairly prosecuted by the Department of Justice.
However, the plan drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties, particularly over concerns that some individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot could potentially qualify for compensation.
Although Blanche had repeatedly testified before Congress that the fund would not move forward, several senators wanted those assurances put in writing before agreeing to support his nomination.
Sunday’s order provided exactly that.
According to the Justice Department, the new directive officially rescinds the earlier order establishing the fund and removes any remaining uncertainty about its future.
The department also emphasized that the program never became operational.
Officials confirmed that no board members were appointed, no taxpayer funds were transferred, no claims process was created, and no payments were ever issued.
IRS Settlement Also Receives Clarification
Blanche’s order also addressed another issue that had generated public attention involving a legal settlement connected to President Trump.
The updated language makes clear that provisions regarding tax audit protections apply only to matters that existed before the settlement agreement was reached.
The clarification states that future tax returns remain subject to normal review under federal law, addressing questions about the scope of the agreement.
Confirmation Process Back On Track
Blanche’s nomination had stalled after Cornyn and Tillis withheld their support, forcing the Senate Judiciary Committee to postpone a scheduled confirmation vote last week.
Both senators said they wanted stronger guarantees before allowing the nomination to move forward.
Throughout negotiations, the lawmakers indicated that Justice Department officials had worked to reach a compromise, but they maintained that written confirmation was necessary before they could vote yes.
With that confirmation now delivered, Blanche’s nomination appears poised to advance.
If approved by the Judiciary Committee, his nomination will move to the full Senate for final consideration.
Trump Continued Defending The Proposal
While Blanche ultimately canceled the fund, President Trump has continued to defend the broader idea behind it.
Speaking Sunday evening, Trump argued that many people prosecuted after the January 6 Capitol riot suffered significant personal and financial consequences.
“They had their lives destroyed,” Trump said. “This would be a reimbursement for the pain that they suffered. A lot of people like it.”
Earlier during the confirmation dispute, Trump suggested he might withdraw Blanche’s nomination altogether and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis leave the Senate if lawmakers continued blocking the confirmation process.
Following Monday’s announcement, that possibility now appears unlikely.
Legal Challenges Continue
Even as Blanche’s nomination moves forward, legal disputes involving the Trump administration remain active.
Trump’s legal team recently announced plans to appeal a federal judge’s ruling criticizing a settlement involving the Internal Revenue Service.
The judge questioned several aspects of the agreement and criticized Blanche’s involvement because he had previously served as one of Trump’s defense attorneys before joining the Justice Department.
Blanche has rejected those criticisms and has publicly disagreed with the court’s characterization of his role.
Why This Matters
Blanche’s nomination is one of the Trump administration’s most significant Justice Department appointments and is viewed as an important part of the president’s effort to shape the department’s leadership.
By resolving concerns over the Anti-Weaponization Fund, the administration removed the biggest obstacle standing in the way of Blanche’s confirmation.
The agreement also demonstrates that negotiations between the White House, the Justice Department, and Senate Republicans can still produce results on high-profile nominations despite disagreements over policy.
What Happens Next?
The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to move forward with Blanche’s nomination now that Cornyn and Tillis have pledged their support.
If the committee approves the nomination, Blanche’s confirmation will head to the full Senate, where Republicans are expected to unite behind President Trump’s choice to lead the Justice Department.
For the Trump administration, the development represents an important political win after weeks of uncertainty. By officially ending the controversial compensation fund and securing the votes needed to move the nomination forward, the White House has put one of its highest-profile Justice Department appointments back on track.