Former President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that the $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" is "dead," but he indicated a continued wish for its existence and for beneficiaries to receive compensation.
Trump made the acknowledgment during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David when asked by ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce if he agreed with the acting attorney general that the fund was defunct. "Well, it is dead, but you know I wish it weren't, to be honest with you," Trump responded. "I think people were horribly treated, horribly abused ... and I'd like to see them compensated for the pain."
The status of the fund has become a point of contention in the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who has opposed Blanche's confirmation, is seeking formal written confirmation from the Department of Justice that the fund is not proceeding. Blanche had previously testified under oath that the fund was dead during his confirmation hearing.
The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche's nomination Thursday due to resistance from Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis. Both senators are concluding their terms in January.
Trump suggested he might consider temporarily withdrawing Blanche's nomination until Cornyn and Tillis leave office. Additionally, Cornyn has called for limits on the scope of Trump's immunity deal with the IRS, which grants him and his family protection from audits of past tax returns. When asked if he would accept restrictions on this deal to secure Blanche's permanent approval, Trump stated, "He should be approved forthwith. I mean, you're not going to get a person like that."