Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinded President Donald Trump's controversial anti-weaponization fund to clear a path for his Senate confirmation.
The move resolves a critical deadlock in Washington. Republican senators had threatened to block Blanche's nomination unless the fund was dismantled, making this rescission a prerequisite for his permanent appointment as attorney general.
Blanche issued the formal order late Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 [4]. The order terminates the fund, which was valued between $1.77 billion [2] and $1.8 billion [1].
"I am formally rescinding the president's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund," Blanche said [3].
Following the announcement, key Republican holdouts shifted their positions. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced their support for the nominee on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 [5].
"We'll back Todd Blanche's confirmation as attorney general," Cornyn said [6].
The fund had become a focal point of contention during the confirmation process, with critics questioning its purpose and legality. By removing the financial mechanism, Blanche addressed the primary concerns of the senators who had previously hesitated to provide their votes.
Blanche currently serves as the acting attorney general while the Senate completes its review. The sudden shift in support from Cornyn and Tillis suggests that the nomination is now likely to proceed to a final vote with sufficient Republican backing.
“"I am formally rescinding the president's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund."”
The rescission of the anti-weaponization fund represents a strategic compromise between the executive branch and the Senate. By dismantling a multi-billion dollar instrument of the presidency, Blanche has signaled a willingness to adhere to traditional Justice Department norms to secure his legal authority. This move likely ensures his confirmation by removing the specific policy lever that moderate Republicans viewed as an overreach of executive power.
