Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee have agreed to advance Todd Blanche's nomination to Acting Attorney General after he formally rescinded a controversial Justice Department fund. Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had previously withheld their support, stated they would back Blanche's confirmation after receiving written assurances that the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" was dead.
Blanche confirmed the retraction in a post on X, stating that he had engaged in "good faith discussions" with the holdout senators. He attached copies of the formal retraction and a statement from the Justice Department to his post.
"Although the Acting Attorney General has repeatedly advised Congress through testimony, including under oath, as well as in written responses, that the Fund is not moving forward, and the Department has repeatedly represented to district courts that the Fund is not moving forward, today’s Order officially rescinds the May 18, 2026 Order," the Justice Department's statement read.
The Justice Department had previously maintained that the fund was not moving forward, including in representations to district courts. However, the senators sought a formal, written retraction to ensure the fund's demise. Despite Blanche's written assurance, reports suggest that former President Trump is exploring avenues to revive the fund.