Trump Says Anti Weaponization Fund Is Dead, But Wants Payouts Continued
Cyberzenhub.com – President Donald Trump acknowledged Friday that the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund is officially “dead,” yet he made clear his desire for affected parties to still receive compensation. When asked why the conclusion isn’t being formalized in writing, Trump did not provide a definitive answer. The fund, which was created to compensate individuals who claimed mistreatment by the government, has become entangled in the confirmation process for Todd Blanche as attorney general.
Blanche’s Nomination Faces Obstacles
The status of the Anti-Weaponization Fund has complicated matters for Blanche’s nomination. Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have been holding up the confirmation, with Cornyn specifically demanding that the Department of Justice formally document that the fund is no longer active. This demand follows Blanche’s own testimony under oath during his hearing, where he addressed the fund’s status.
“Do you agree with the acting attorney general that the Anti-Weaponization Fund is dead, and why not just put that in writing?” ABC News chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce asked Trump at a Cabinet meeting at Camp David.
Trump’s response was straightforward: “Well, it is dead, but you know I wish it weren’t, to be honest with you. I think people were horribly treated, horribly abused, and I’d like to see them compensated for the pain.”
What Happens Next?
The Senate Judiciary Committee has rescheduled Blanche’s vote for Tuesday, August 4, according to Chairman Chuck Grassley. However, sources indicate that negotiations between the White House, the DOJ, and the senators will continue through the weekend. Grassley has expressed his desire to see Blanche confirmed before the August recess, citing the nominee’s record on law and order.
Cornyn has also requested that the scope of Trump’s immunity deal with the IRS be narrowed. The president’s settlement with the tax agency provided him and his family protection from any existing audits of their tax returns. When asked if he would accept limits on this deal to help secure Blanche’s confirmation, Trump was supportive.
“He should be approved forthwith,” Trump said. “I mean, you’re not going to get a person like that.”
Legal Challenges Continue
Separately, Trump’s lawyers are challenging a court ruling that sought to discipline them for using the judicial system to help broker the creation of the fund. Attorneys for the president filed an appeal Friday against U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ decision, which criticized the legal team for attempting to legitimize what she called a “settlement” that would never have survived judicial review.
Judge Williams referred the lawyers for disciplinary action and prohibited Trump and the federal government from referencing the “purported settlement agreement” in any official proceedings. The outcome of this appeal remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Anti-Weaponization Fund? The fund was established to compensate individuals who claimed they were mistreated by the government, particularly in relation to weapons-related matters. It was valued at approximately $1.8 billion.
Why is the fund’s status affecting Blanche’s nomination? Senator Cornyn wants written confirmation that the fund is dead, which conflicts with Blanche’s previous statements and Trump’s expressed desire to maintain some form of payout mechanism.
When will Blanche’s confirmation vote take place? The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled the vote for Tuesday, August 4, though negotiations are ongoing and the outcome is not guaranteed.
What is the IRS immunity deal? Trump’s settlement with the Internal Revenue Service provided him and his family immunity from any existing audits of their tax returns, which Cornyn wants to see narrowed.
