President Donald Trump on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, threatened to vigorously pursue keeping a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund active amid a dispute involving two Republican senators and his administration over Todd Blanche’s nomination for United States Attorney General.

Trump criticized Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both departing Congress after clashes with Trump, for opposing Blanche’s confirmation. Cornyn lost his primary runoff to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who Trump endorsed, while Tillis announced his retirement following opposition to a GOP-backed domestic policy package.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "If Senators Cornyn and Tillis, both upset because I wouldn’t Endorse them (they lost, and quit, respectively!), aren’t going to approve Todd Blanche, one of the most respected professionals, according to everybody, in the Country, to be the United States Attorney General, then I will keep Todd as Acting A.G., and push hard to get the Anti-Weaponization Bill, which takes care of those who have been so badly treated by the Crooked Joe Biden (and Obuma!) Administration (I get nothing, although I was treated horribly!), PASSED."

He added that Blanche "was a voice of reason" and promised the bill "will immediately be back on the table, and I will get it done."

The Senate committee postponed a vote on Blanche’s nomination on Wednesday night due to concerns raised by Cornyn and Tillis. Tillis told reporters, "Hey, in 158 days they can try it again, roll the dice on what the Senate confirmation process looks like next year. It’s all on him."

Trump’s threat to revive the anti-weaponization fund comes as part of ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and the administration’s efforts to confirm Blanche.

Additionally, Trump has pardoned six rioters citing claims of government overreach.

“It’s unfortunate that Todd Blanche, who I consider qualified for the job, will not be confirmed because of this reversal,” a source reported.

Sources