Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Withdraws Trump-Backed Fund Plan Ahead of Senate Vote
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially rescinded a controversial plan initially proposed by former President Donald Trump. The plan involved establishing a $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation" fund intended to compensate individuals prosecuted in connection with the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, particularly those who allege politically motivated prosecutions under prior administrations.
Blanche's formal withdrawal of the fund plan removes a significant obstacle blocking his permanent confirmation as Attorney General by the US Senate. Previously, two Republican senators withheld their support due to concerns about the existence of the fund, doubting verbal assurances that it had been abandoned.
In a post on the social platform X, Blanche noted he had met with committee members and senators over several weeks to resolve outstanding questions. He attached a signed written order unequivocally stating that the fund does not exist, seeking to reassure holdout senators and facilitate his confirmation.
The original fund had emerged from a settlement related to Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service concerning leaked tax returns. It would have provided compensation to Trump allies claiming unfair prosecution and would have shielded Trump, his family, and associated businesses from IRS audits of past tax returns, extending protections only to the plaintiffs named in the lawsuit: Trump, his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, and the Trump Organization. This particular provision also raised objections from senators seeking more narrowly defined audit protections.
The proposed fund and protection clauses drew criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, concerned that it might enable payments to individuals convicted of serious offenses during the Capitol riot, including assaults against law enforcement officers. Amid bipartisan opposition and a federal judge blocking the fund over ethical concerns, Blanche and Trump ultimately abandoned the initiative.
This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing political conflict surrounding the legacy of the Capitol riot prosecutions and paves the way for Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General after months of debate.