Under pressure from two Republican senators blocking his confirmation as the next attorney general, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally rescinded the establishment of President Donald Trump's so-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund." Blanche posted two separate orders on X on Sunday night, August 2nd, 2026: one rescinding the nearly $1.8 billion fund, and another clarifying language regarding the scope of an arrangement that had shielded Trump from further IRS audits of his past tax returns.

As part of Trump's settlement with the IRS in his $10 billion lawsuit against the agency, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an addendum signed by Blanche in his acting capacity. This addendum bars the government from continuing any existing audits of tax returns filed by Trump, his family, and their companies. However, the order clarifies that this immunity applies only to plaintiffs in Trump and his son’s initial lawsuit and does not appear to bind Trump’s personal lawyers or family members.

Senator John Cornyn stated that while he does not require the DOJ to modify the settlement language, he seeks written documentation ensuring the settlement does not extend tax audit immunity to affiliated organizations not part of the lawsuit. Cornyn, who lost a Texas primary earlier this year after Trump endorsed his opponent Ken Paxton, is one of the senators opposing Blanche's confirmation.

Blanche's orders follow Trump's indication that he might temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination to permanently lead the DOJ due to resistance from the two outgoing Republican senators. According to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, acting department officials can serve for 210 days, but this period resets if a nomination is withdrawn.

Some previous supporters of the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" have welcomed the rescinding order, noting it does not explicitly prevent DOJ payouts to pro-Trump supporters involved in January events.

Sources