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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 3, 2026Hillsborough

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinds $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund'

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal order officially canceling the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' intended to compensate individuals claiming unfair prosecution. The move follows pressure from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who conditioned their support for Blanche's attorney general nomination on the written termination of the fund.

Department of JusticeAttorney General NominationAnti-Weaponization FundSenate Judiciary CommitteeExecutive Policy
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Why It Matters

The cancellation of this $1.8 billion fund removes a potential compensation mechanism for individuals claiming political prosecution, including those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, and serves as a key condition for the Senate confirmation of the Attorney General nominee.

Key Facts

  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche officially rescinded the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' via a formal order.
  • The fund was originally established by an order dated May 18, 2026.
  • The cancellation was a prerequisite for Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis to consider endorsing Blanche's nomination for Attorney General.
  • The fund was intended to compensate individuals who believed they were unfairly prosecuted.
  • Bipartisan criticism had been raised regarding the potential for the fund to provide payments to individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.
  • Todd Blanche previously served as a defense lawyer for Donald Trump.
  • Blanche was appointed deputy attorney general in 2025 and became acting attorney general after Pam Bondi was fired in April.
  • A Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation vote for Blanche is scheduled for Tuesday.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSenate Judiciary Committee“Committee overseeing the confirmation vote”personPam Bondi“Former Acting Attorney General”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”personJohn Cornyn“Republican Senator from Texas”personTodd Blanche“Acting Attorney General and nominee for Attorney General”personThom Tillis“Republican Senator from North Carolina”