Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSusan HeaveyFriday 31 July 2026 14:34 BSTTrump said Thursday that he would consider withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination to be the next U.S. Attorney General rather than concede to demands from two Republican senators (AFP via Getty Images)President Donald Trump is defending his proposed "anti-weaponization" fund, which is currently stalling the appointment of Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General due to opposition from Republican senators.Trump urged the immediate approval of Blanche in a Truth Social post Friday and stated that the fund is intended to compensate "victims of government abuse" whose lives were "ruined," despite critics calling it a "slush fund."Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are blocking Blanche's nomination, demanding written assurances that the Justice Department will not implement the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" program and also object to an IRS deal preventing tax audits of Trump and his associates.The "anti-weaponization" fund originated from a legal settlement between Trump and the Justice Department over his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and is intended to benefit Trump allies who claim unfair targeting by the federal government, including those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.Blanche can likely continue to serve as acting Attorney General for Trump's remaining term, as acting officials can serve while their nomination is pending, and he has met with senators to address their concerns.In fullTrump threatens to pull Todd Blanche’s AG nomination rather than give in to Republican holdouts over weaponization fundMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in