Blanche’s AG nomination on hold over opposition to DOJ’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-30 17:40:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Signals Willingness to Circumvent Senate Block on DOJ Nominee, Keeps Door Open for Controversial Fund
President Trump, facing opposition from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis over his nomination of Todd Blanche to lead the Justice Department, stated on social media that he would keep Blanche as acting attorney general, saying, “I have no objection to temporarily withdrawing Todd’s name if they do not do the right thing, and putting him back after Cornyn and Tillis are out of office.” This statement came as the senators demanded the Justice Department end a $1.8 billion fund intended for payments to Trump allies who claim wrongful prosecution.
Trump’s position, as described in the reporting, is to maintain Blanche in charge of the Justice Department regardless of the Senate’s refusal to confirm him. This approach allows Trump to retain control while avoiding concessions on the so-called “weaponization fund,” which he is reportedly unwilling to abandon. The fund, as Trump frames it, is designed to protect not only himself but also his relatives, companies, and a broad group of affiliates from IRS audits and other legal scrutiny.
Despite the fund being officially on hold, The New York Times reports that the Justice Department continues to issue similar settlements through existing claims processes. This means payouts to individuals identified as victims of alleged political targeting continue, even as the broader fund is stalled.
Senators Cornyn and Tillis are demanding written assurances that the fund will not be revived, expressing frustration over what they see as mere “lip service” from the administration. The reluctance of the White House to provide such assurances in writing has fueled skepticism about the administration’s intentions, with critics suggesting that Trump and his team are leaving open the possibility of reinstating the fund or finding alternative ways to achieve the same ends.
The episode highlights Trump’s willingness to bypass Senate oversight and his persistent efforts to shield himself and his allies from legal and financial accountability. It also underscores ongoing concerns about transparency and credibility within the administration’s negotiations with Congress.
Conclusion
President Trump’s handling of the Justice Department nomination and the controversial fund demonstrates a pattern of maneuvering to protect his interests and those of his associates, even in the face of bipartisan resistance. His public statements and the administration’s actions raise questions about accountability and the potential for future attempts to revive or rebrand the disputed fund, despite congressional objections.