Columbus, OH, August 4, 2026 —

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has gained crucial Republican backing for his nomination, assuring Senate Judiciary Committee members that a contentious $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund has been terminated.

The fund, established through a settlement agreement involving former President Trump and the IRS, had raised concerns due to its potential eligibility for pardoned January 6 defendants. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had previously withheld their support for Blanche’s nomination, indicated their satisfaction following Blanche’s assurances and the presentation of a formal order terminating the fund.

In addition to confirming the defunct status of the $1.8 billion fund, Blanche also clarified the scope of the IRS settlement agreement. This agreement pertains to future tax audits for former President Trump and his family.

The confirmation of the fund’s termination and the clarification of the IRS settlement appear to have addressed the key concerns raised by Republican senators, paving the way for advancement of Blanche’s nomination.



Story summarized from the original created by Ashley Murray on ohiocapitaljournal.com, see more information here.

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