Blanche gives written assurances to GOP holdouts 

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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he reached a deal with key senators to formally rescind the creation of the “anti-weaponization” fund, a move that may pave the way for his confirmation to the role permanently. 

Blanche said in a memo posted on the social platform X late on Sunday that he has withdrawn the order creating the $1.8 billion fund, which was intended to provide payouts to people who alleged they were victims of political prosecutions by the federal government. The fund was created as part of a settlement that Trump reached with the IRS over the leaking of his tax returns. 

Trump’s settlement with the IRS also included an agreement for the agency not to conduct audits on his tax returns or those of his businesses or family members — another sticking point for Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). 

Cornyn’s spokesperson said that part of the settlement will be reined in. 

“Sen. Cornyn has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice, which will be issuing a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund and making clear in a binding written document that the scope of the audit settlement is limited to only the plaintiffs, including the President, and the IRS,” Cornyn spokesperson Natalie Yezbick said in a statement. 

Tillis’s office had not publicly commented on the developments as of Monday morning.  

Blanche had previously said the fund wouldn’t be implemented amid bipartisan backlash, but until now he had yet to officially rescind the order. 

Blanche’s confirmation seemed to be in serious doubt as the lame-duck senators refused to support the nomination over the fund. 

The Judiciary panel had been scheduled to advance Blanche’s nomination Thursday, but the vote was postponed over the key senators’ opposition. Trump had floated withdrawing Blanche’s nomination until the senators were out of office.  

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has scheduled an executive business meeting for the panel to vote on the nomination on Tuesday at 9 a.m. 

POST-MIDTERM PUNT: Senators also reached a breakthrough deal that could pave the way to keeping the government open through most of the calendar year. 

Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee agreed to a funding bill Sunday that would prevent a government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 and keep the government fully funded through Dec. 11. An initial procedural vote is scheduled to be held this evening, and Senate leaders are hoping to pass the bill before the recess at the end of the week. 

The announcement came after Republican and Democratic negotiators worked together to reach an agreement on a short-term funding measure. Talks particularly focused on including language to block the White House from making changes to the grant-approval process and holding up federal grants. 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) had said Thursday that he was hoping for a deal on a continuing resolution in time for the Senate to vote on it this week. 

Blanche’s confirmation and the continuing resolution are just two parts of what’s set to be a jam-packed week for senators before they leave Washington. 

Trump is still trying to pressure Thune to adopt a budget resolution to pave the way for another reconciliation bill that would provide more funding for the Iran war, among other measures. Thune has maintained that he does not have the votes to advance it. 

While Blanche’s nomination is still in committee, several other Trump nominees are expected to receive floor votes this week. 

▪ The Hill: Thune faces jam-packed week before senators leave town. 

▪ The Hill: Senate GOP sees Trump as growing political liability. 

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