Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the creation of a $1.776 billion [1] fund to compensate individuals who say they were politically targeted.
The testimony highlights a deepening conflict between the Department of Justice and congressional oversight regarding the use of federal funds and the independence of the nation's top prosecutor.
Blanche appeared before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., for his first congressional testimony as acting AG. During the session, he faced questioning from Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) concerning the nature of the fund and Blanche's professional loyalties.
Van Hollen accused the acting Attorney General of maintaining a conflict of interest. "He is still acting as Trump's personal lawyer," Van Hollen said [2].
Blanche responded by defending the accessibility of the compensation fund, which some reports round to $1.7 billion [2]. When questioned about who is eligible to receive the money, Blanche said, "Anybody can apply" [2].
The hearing grew more tense when the discussion turned to the specific identities of potential applicants. Blanche refused to clarify if individuals involved in the events of Jan. 6 would be eligible for payouts. "I won’t tell Congress whether Jan. 6 rioters will be paid from the fund," Blanche said [2].
While the acting Attorney General maintains the fund is for those targeted for their political beliefs, other reports have suggested the money may be related to a settlement with Donald Trump regarding leaked tax returns [3]. Blanche did not address these specific contradictions during the testimony.
“"He is still acting as Trump's personal lawyer."”
The dispute over the $1.776 billion fund reflects a broader legal and political battle over the definition of 'political targeting.' By refusing to rule out payments to Jan. 6 rioters, the acting Attorney General is signaling a significant shift in how the Department of Justice views the legality and motivation of those prosecuted in connection with the Capitol breach.
