**Two Republican Senators End Opposition to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s Nomination**
**WASHINGTON (AP)** — Two Republican senators who threatened to block acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation to lead the Justice Department have announced their support for his nomination, effectively ending a significant political impasse. This development clears the path for the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance Blanche’s nomination. The resolution came after the Justice Department and lawmakers struck a deal to formally rescind the proposed $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which had been a major point of contention.
The endorsement from GOP Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina was announced on Monday. Their backing removes the threat of a blockade and allows the Senate Judiciary Committee to move forward with voting on Blanche’s permanent appointment. This progress was achieved following negotiations that resulted in a formal order to cancel the controversial fund.
**The Deal and the “Anti-Weaponization Fund”**
The core of the agreement centered on the $1.8 billion fund designed to compensate individuals who claimed they were unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department. Cornyn and Tillis had refused to support Blanche’s confirmation unless the fund was officially and unequivocally ended. Their concerns were rooted in the possibility that the fund could be used to pay compensation to individuals associated with the January 6th Capitol attack.
Blanche, who had previously served as President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, issued a written order late Sunday affirming that the fund was dead “beyond any doubt.” The order stated that no members were appointed, no funds were transferred, and no process for receiving claims was ever established.
> “We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon,” Cornyn and Tillis said in a joint statement.
**Related Concessions on Tax Immunity**
The senators also pressed the Justice Department for limitations on a separate aspect of the settlement involving tax immunity for President Donald Trump and his family. The deal clarified that the immunity from tax audits applies only retroactively to claims already open at the time of the settlement and does not shield future tax filings. Furthermore, the agreement explicitly covers only Trump, two of his sons, and the Trump Organization.
**Democratic Criticism and Alternative Concerns**
Despite the deal, Democrats remain critical. They argue that the order does not prevent the Trump administration from compensating Jan. 6 rioters through an existing claims process. Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff highlighted that the agreement “doesn’t prevent payouts to violent insurrectionists in the future.” He also voiced concern that the tax-immunity deal could allow Trump to avoid taxes on substantial earnings.
**Background on Blanche’s Role**
Blanche’s nomination became contentious after he was appointed as deputy attorney general and subsequently elevated to acting attorney general following the firing of Pam Bondi. His rapid ascent and close relationship with President Trump led to skepticism about his ability to lead the Justice Department impartially. Both senators’ initial opposition and subsequent support have been closely watched as a significant political test for the Trump administration’s agenda.
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### FAQ Section
**Q1: What was the “Anti-Weaponization Fund”?**
The proposed $1.8 billion fund was intended to compensate individuals who believed they were unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department. It became a major political flashpoint because critics worried it could be used to pay those involved in the January 6th Capitol attack.
**Q2: Why did Senators Cornyn and Tillis initially oppose Blanche’s nomination?**
They refused to back Blanche unless the Justice Department provided a written guarantee that the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” would be permanently canceled. They were concerned the fund could be revived and used to reward individuals from January 6th.
**Q3: What changes did the Justice Department agree to?**
The Justice Department issued a written order confirming the fund was dead “beyond any doubt.” They also clarified that the tax immunity agreement in the settlement only applies retroactively to existing claims and does not protect future tax filings, nor does it extend to anyone other than Trump, his two sons, and the Trump Organization.
**Q4: What happens next with Blanche’s nomination?**
With the senators’ support, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to advance Blanche’s nomination. His confirmation by the full Senate will then be the next step.
**Q5: Who is Todd Blanche?**
Todd Blanche is a former defense lawyer for President Donald Trump. He was appointed as deputy attorney general in 2025 and became acting attorney general after the firing of Pam Bondi.
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### Conclusion
The endorsement by Senators Cornyn and Tillis marks a pivotal moment in the confirmation process for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. By resolving the standoff over the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” the Senate Judiciary Committee can now move forward with the nomination. However, the broader political and legal debates surrounding the Justice Department’s independence and the terms of the tax immunity settlement continue to draw significant scrutiny from lawmakers and the public alike.
