Todd Blanche rescinds Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’ ahead of nomination hearing : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-03 00:04:00 — www.npr.org
Trump Defends Controversial Fund for Jan. 6 Defendants, Despite DOJ Termination
President Donald Trump continues to express support for his proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” even after the Justice Department formally terminated the initiative following bipartisan backlash and legal scrutiny. Trump has repeatedly stated that he believes the fund should proceed, arguing that individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol have “had their lives destroyed.” He described the fund as “a reimbursement for the pain that they suffered,” and claimed, “A lot of people like it.”
Persistent Advocacy Amid Legal and Political Pushback
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s order officially ending the fund and clarifying that no money was distributed and no process for claims was ever established, Trump threatened to revive the proposal if Blanche was not confirmed as attorney general. Trump also suggested in a social media post that he might withdraw Blanche’s nomination and resubmit it after key Senate opponents leave office next year.
The fund, which was intended to compensate Trump’s political allies, drew sharp criticism from both parties, particularly over concerns that it could benefit violent rioters who attacked law enforcement at the Capitol. The Justice Department’s order emphasized that “no Members were appointed; no funds were transferred; no process for receiving claims was established; no claims were paid,” and declared, “This order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.”
Legal Fallout and Ongoing Appeals
Trump’s attorneys have notified a court of their intent to appeal a judge’s ruling that characterized the settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS—of which the fund was a part—as an improper act of self-dealing. The judge criticized Blanche’s involvement in the settlement, given his prior role as Trump’s defense lawyer, and referred one of Trump’s attorneys for potential disciplinary action.
The Justice Department has maintained in court filings that the fund would not move forward, but resisted a judge’s request for a sworn declaration from Blanche and other officials that the administration would not pursue the fund in the future, calling such demands “unnecessary.”
Conclusion
Trump’s unwavering support for the “anti-weaponization fund,” despite its formal termination and widespread condemnation, highlights his continued efforts to defend those charged in the January 6 attack and to challenge legal and political opposition. The controversy underscores ongoing divisions within the Republican Party and persistent questions about the use of government resources for political purposes.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/03/g-s1-136864/todd-blanche-rescinds-trump-anti-weaponization-fund