Blanche seeks distance from ‘anti-weaponization’ fund questions: ‘It was never set up’
Blanche Clarifies Anti-Weaponization Fund Was Never Established
Provpnadvice.com – Attorney General Todd Blanche has reiterated that the controversial anti-weaponization fund he initially proposed is definitively “dead.” His comments came during a Department of Justice press conference addressing the securing of indictments against eleven individuals accused of orchestrating sham marriages designed to circumvent immigration laws.
Clear Position on Fund Status
When a reporter questioned whether Blanche might pursue the fund’s establishment once more, the Attorney General responded with characteristic firmness. “I keep on saying this over and over again, but I’m happy to say it one more time. I have testified under oath that it’s dead. I have testified in front of the House where I wasn’t under oath, where I said it was dead,” Blanche explained to assembled journalists.
“I have answered questions after my hearing, where I said that it was dead.”
The Attorney General later expressed frustration with the persistent questioning, noting, “I’m not sure how I can further … say that the anti-weaponization fund doesn’t exist, or we use the word ‘dead.'” This clarification comes as Blanche, who officially assumed the full-time attorney general position on Monday, continues to distance himself from the initiative.
Political Context and Fund Origins
Blanche’s decision to rescind his initial May order authorizing the creation of the $1.776 billion fund was directly tied to political considerations. The Attorney General made this reversal in exchange for support from Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, whose backing proved crucial for his nomination. The Senate ultimately confirmed Blanche through a narrow 50-49 vote, highlighting the contentious nature of his appointment.
The fund had originally emerged through a settlement agreement in President Trump’s reopened lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. However, concerns emerged from lawmakers across the political spectrum regarding potential beneficiaries. Many worried that individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol could potentially access taxpayer funds through this mechanism.
“The president feels very strongly, as do I, that there were people who were victims of a Department of Justice that was absolutely weaponized, and he feels very strongly that he would want to make them whole, as do I.”
Judicial Scrutiny and Official Rescission
Multiple federal judges raised objections to the circumstances surrounding the fund’s creation, questioning the legal basis for its establishment through the IRS settlement. This judicial pushback contributed to Blanche’s decision to formally withdraw the initiative.
On Tuesday, Blanche reiterated the language contained in his August 2 order rescinding the fund. He emphasized that “there were never commissioners” overseeing the payout mechanism and confirmed that no money had been distributed to claimants from the proposed fund. This clarification addresses concerns about whether any funds had already been allocated or committed.
Looking Forward
Despite the DOJ’s decision to halt the fund, President Trump has maintained his support for the concept. Following Blanche’s swearing-in as attorney general, the president indicated to reporters that the future of the initiative remained “up to” Blanche, his former personal attorney.
While Blanche confirmed that the fund in its previous form was dead, he signaled openness to alternative approaches. He stated that both he and the president would support congressional legislation addressing the matter through proper legislative channels rather than executive action.
“But it will not be through the anti-weaponization fund, which, again, was never set up, and nothing has happened with it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the anti-weaponization fund? The anti-weaponization fund was a proposed $1.776 billion fund created through a settlement agreement in President Trump’s reopened lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. It was intended to compensate individuals who were victims of what the administration described as a “weaponized” Department of Justice.
Why did Blanche withdraw the fund? Blanche rescinded his initial May order creating the fund in exchange for support from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, whose backing was crucial for his nomination. Multiple federal judges also raised objections to the legal basis for the fund’s establishment.
Has any money been distributed from the fund? No. Blanche confirmed that “there were never commissioners” overseeing the payout mechanism and that no money had been distributed to claimants from the proposed fund.
What is the current status of the fund? Blanche has stated that the fund “was never set up” and is definitively “dead.” However, he signaled openness to congressional legislation addressing the matter through proper legislative channels rather than executive action.
