Former President Donald Trump has warned Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn to stop delaying the confirmation of Todd Blanche as United States Attorney General or he will revive the "anti-weaponization fund," a nearly $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals who claim political persecution.

The fund was announced in May as part of a settlement resolving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department. Despite Blanche repeatedly telling Congress earlier this month that the fund was "dead," Trump stated on Truth Social on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, that if Tillis and Cornyn do not approve Blanche, he will keep Blanche as acting Attorney General and push hard to pass the Anti-Weaponization Bill.

Trump criticized the Biden administration, calling it the "Crooked Joe Biden (and Obuma!) Administration," and claimed he was treated horribly without receiving any compensation. He described Blanche as "one of the most respected professionals" and a "voice of reason."

Tillis and Cornyn have refused to vote for Blanche's full-time confirmation unless Trump agrees in writing to no longer pursue the fund. The Senate Judiciary Committee, after delaying a vote last week due to this impasse, announced it would vote on Blanche's nomination on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley expressed support for Blanche's confirmation, citing his record of restoring law and order and keeping Americans safe, and hopes to see the confirmation before the August recess.

Sources