Blanche, newly confirmed as AG, says ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ still dead

Blanche Newly Confirmed as AG Says Anti-Weaponization Fund Remains Defunct

Tyunews.com – Todd Blanche, Blanche newly confirmed as AG says, has officially declared that the Justice Department’s Anti-Weaponization Fund will not be revived following his recent confirmation. During his inaugural press conference, the attorney general made his position crystal clear regarding the controversial compensation program. While the fund itself remains closed, Blanche hinted that alternative mechanisms could potentially be developed to compensate individuals who were designated as “victims” of weaponization during the previous administration.

The attorney general’s statements came while he was addressing an unrelated criminal fraud case before the media. Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump had informed reporters from the Oval Office that the ultimate decision regarding the fund’s future would rest squarely with Blanche. This clarification has helped set expectations for how the Justice Department will proceed with compensation matters moving forward.

Comprehensive Testimony Confirms Fund’s Permanent Closure

The $1.776 billion initiative was originally unveiled by the Justice Department in May to provide financial compensation to those claiming they were wrongfully targeted during the Biden administration. Before his formal confirmation, Blanche issued a written order declaring the fund closed, responding directly to pressure from two Republican senators whose backing for his nomination depended on such a definitive statement.

“I keep on saying this over and over again, but I’m happy to say it one more time,” Blanche told ABC News. “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. I have answered questions after my hearing where I said that it was dead, I have rescinded the order that that set up the weaponization fund, which means that it does not exist.”

Blanche expressed confidence that his position was unambiguous and left no room for misinterpretation. “I’m not sure how I can further say that the anti-weaponization fund doesn’t exist, or we use the word ‘dead,'” he noted. “But if anybody has any ideas, we also have said under oath that if Congress would like to make it a law, that we would support that, as would the White House.”

Alternative Compensation Methods Under Active Consideration

While maintaining that the fund itself remains closed, Blanche suggested the department would explore other avenues for distributing payments to affected parties. President Trump has consistently expressed his desire to compensate those affected by what he considers weaponization of the Justice Department, and this commitment remains strong despite the fund’s closure.

“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 that he would want to — to make them whole, as do I, but it will not be through the Anti-Weaponization Fund,” Blanche explained.

The proposed fund originated as part of a broader agreement wherein Trump consented to withdraw a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, two civil actions totaling $230 million were dropped—claims connected to the Russia collusion investigation from Trump’s first term and the 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago residence. These financial settlements represent significant commitments that were tied to the broader anti-weaponization narrative.

Critics raised concerns about potential self-dealing, while members of both parties expressed alarm over the possibility of using taxpayer dollars to compensate individuals who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The debate continues as the Justice Department works to find balanced solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Anti-Weaponization Fund? The Anti-Weaponization Fund is a $1.776 billion initiative created by the Justice Department to compensate individuals who claim they were wrongfully targeted during the Biden administration.

Why was the fund closed? Blanche closed the fund following pressure from two Republican senators whose support for his nomination depended on this action, and because he believes the fund’s original framework is no longer viable.

Will victims still receive compensation? Yes, Blanche indicated that alternative methods may be used to compensate victims, even though the Anti-Weaponization Fund itself remains closed.

What role does Congress play? Blanche stated that if Congress passes legislation to establish the fund as law, both the Justice Department and the White House would support it.