Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally withdrawn President Donald Trump's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation" fund, which was intended to settle a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the leak of Trump's tax returns.

The fund had raised concerns among Democrats and some Republicans, who feared it could compensate individuals prosecuted for their involvement in the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, including those convicted of assaulting police officers.

Blanche's withdrawal comes after two Republican senators withheld support for his permanent confirmation, citing insufficient verbal assurances that the fund plan was dead. In a post on X late on Sunday, Blanche stated he had "met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions."

Attached to his post was a written order signed by Blanche declaring, "This Order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund."

Blanche also made a second post clarifying language regarding IRS immunity. The move is expected to clear the way for his confirmation by US senators.

Earlier, on Friday, Blanche had said the fund was "dead" but threatened to revive the plan if members of his party did not move to approve his confirmation.

Sources