Republicans say they will back Blanche after US Justice Department order | Donald Trump News
Senators Lift Opposition to Trump’s Attorney General Nominee After Cancellation of Controversial Fund
By [Author Name]
August 3, 2026
Two Republican senators announced they will drop their opposition to Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, following the cancellation of a contentious $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina confirmed their support in a statement released Monday.
The reversal comes after Blanche rescinded the fund, which had faced criticism for its potential use of taxpayer dollars to benefit allies of Trump, many of whom claim to have been victimized by government actions. The fund had particularly drawn concern after it was suggested that participants in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection could qualify for financial support.
“We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this,” Cornyn and Tillis stated. “We look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon.” Their support is crucial for Blanche’s advancement in a Senate where Republicans hold a narrow majority.
Concerns over the fund had previously stalled Blanche’s confirmation process. He currently serves as acting Attorney General and played a role in the fund’s creation as part of a settlement related to Trump’s legal battles with the Internal Revenue Service. Trump had initiated a lawsuit against the IRS for $10 billion, an agency under his executive authority.
Earlier, during a Justice Department hearing in June, Blanche indicated he would not pursue the fund. However, Trump continued to advocate for it, raising doubts among lawmakers about its future.
If Cornyn and Tillis had decided against supporting Blanche, Trump warned via social media that he would work to ensure the passage of the Anti-Weaponization Bill and keep Blanche in his acting role without Senate confirmation.
The Justice Department, in a statement accompanying Blanche’s order, clarified the fund would not proceed, stating: “No Members were appointed; no funds were transferred; no process for receiving claims was established; no claims were paid. This order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.”
