Trump Claims Anti-Weaponization Fund ‘Dead’ While Defending Its Purpose, Complicating AG Confirmation

President Donald Trump declared Friday that his administration has abandoned a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, even as he simultaneously defended the concept’s merit. The contradictory statements, made during remarks at Camp David, have further complicated efforts to secure Senate confirmation for attorney general nominee Todd Blanche amid resistance from two Republican lawmakers.

Trump told assembled reporters that his administration officials had “agreed not to have a fund” designed to compensate his political allies. However, he made clear his personal disagreement with that decision, suggesting the outcome was not his preference.

The comments followed an early morning social media post in which Trump argued that individuals prosecuted by the Justice Department—including many charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack—”are suffering still, many ruined, and I felt that they should be given compensation for what has been done to them.” Trump also characterized Blanche as a “pawn” in the dispute and called for his immediate confirmation.

Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have blocked their support for Blanche’s nomination unless the White House provides written assurance that the fund will not be established. The two senators, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, say weeks of negotiations with administration officials have not yet produced satisfactory documentation.

Tillis, who is retiring when his current term expires in January, responded sharply to Trump’s remarks. “The President made it clear today that the so-called Anti Weaponization Fund is still alive, which is exactly why we are attempting to formally end it,” Tillis stated after Trump’s social media post.

Blanche told lawmakers two months ago that the fund would not proceed after Republican senators blocked an immigration funding bill in protest. Yet Cornyn and Tillis remain unconvinced, particularly given Trump’s continued public arguments that such a fund is necessary.

The two senators have also sought written clarification on a separate component of the settlement that would grant Trump and family members immunity from future tax audits. Cornyn said this week that his understanding differs from Blanche’s characterization, noting that the immunity could potentially extend to more than 100 Trump organization subsidiaries going forward rather than applying only to parties involved in the original litigation on a retrospective basis.