Acting Attorney General Blanche Rescinds Trump's Anti-Weaponization Fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has rescinded President Trump's $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. This move is likely to advance Blanche's nomination to a full Senate confirmation vote.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinded President Trump's $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund on Sunday. This decision has won over Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had previously held out on voting for Trump's pick.
The senators said in a joint statement that they will vote to advance Blanche's nomination. They had negotiated a legally enforceable document that ends the anti-weaponization fund and limits protections against audits. Blanche's order rescinds one from May implementing the nearly $1.8 billion fund, but not the settlement provision requiring the attorney general to create the fund.
The settlement grew out of a May lawsuit settlement between Trump and the IRS over the disclosure of his tax records. The settlement promised an apology to Trump and his sons and created the fund for individuals claiming they suffered from government lawfare. Blanche also clarified the sweeping protections Trump received from tax audits, stating they apply only retroactively and only to the lawsuit's named plaintiffs.
Go Deeper
What was the anti-weaponization fund?
The anti-weaponization fund was a $1.776 billion fund created as part of a settlement between President Trump and the IRS over the disclosure of his tax records. It was intended for individuals claiming they suffered from government lawfare.
Why did Acting Attorney General Blanche rescind the fund?
Blanche rescinded the fund to advance his nomination to a full Senate confirmation vote, winning over Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis who had previously held out on voting for Trump's pick.
What are the implications of Blanche's decision?
Blanche's decision is likely to advance his nomination to a full Senate confirmation vote. However, the settlement's terms can be changed only via a written agreement from the Trumps and the government.
What did the settlement between Trump and the IRS entail?
The settlement promised an apology to Trump and his sons and created the fund for individuals claiming they suffered from government lawfare. It also released Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization from certain IRS claims and audits.
What's next for Blanche's nomination?
The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on Blanche's nomination for Tuesday.
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