Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, intensely questioned Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General, regarding a controversial $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." The proposed fund, which Trump's Department of Justice eventually abandoned amid backlash, was intended to compensate individuals labeled as victims of "lawfare" by previous administrations, including January 6 defendants and political allies. During a confirmation hearing, Cornyn, a Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, voiced strong skepticism about the fund and Blanche's suitability for the role.
Cornyn's opposition to Blanche's nomination is partly personal, stemming from Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton, Cornyn's opponent in a recent primary race. With the recent death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Cornyn's vote on the committee carries significant weight, as a single 'no' from a Republican could jeopardize Blanche's confirmation.
Blanche repeatedly stated that the "weaponization fund is dead" and "not moving forward." However, he acknowledged that Trump had not provided a written statement agreeing to abandon the fund, and Cornyn pressed for assurances that neither Trump nor other plaintiffs would revive the issue through future lawsuits. Cornyn also questioned the legal definition of "lawfare" and "weaponization," noting they are not established legal terms of art.
Blanche's confirmation process is expected to be more challenging than that of his predecessor, Pam Bondi. Unlike Bondi, who served a shorter term, Blanche must account for nearly two years of actions taken by the Justice Department during Trump's second presidential term. Blanche previously served as Trump's personal attorney, a fact highlighted during an exchange with Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, who questioned Blanche's past professional relationship with the former president. The Senate is expected to vote on Blanche's confirmation later in July.