Blanche rescinds 'anti-weaponization' fund ahead of key vote

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced he is formally rescinding an order creating an "anti-weaponization fund" that could have paid $1.8 billion to President Donald Trump's allies, and further clarified the scope of the president's sweeping immunity deal with the Internal Revenue Service.

The move potentially clears the way for Blanche's confirmation as attorney general. Senator John Cornyn had insisted that Blanche sign a document rescinding the fund and limiting the immunity deal's scope to the IRS and not other agencies like the Department of Justice.

On Sunday, Blanche posted documents appearing to match what Cornyn had sought, saying the DOJ "always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress."

Natalie Yezbick, a spokeswoman for Cornyn, said in a statement that the senator reached an agreement with the DOJ, "which will be issuing a formal order permanently terminating the anti-weaponization fund and making clear in a binding written document that the scope of the audit settlement is limited to only the plaintiffs, including the President, and the IRS."

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley has rescheduled a vote for Tuesday to advance Blanche's nomination to the Senate floor.

Cornyn, a former Texas attorney general and state Supreme Court justice, had taken the lead in negotiating with the DOJ along with another holdout, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who has also insisted that the fund be permanently nixed.

Blanche can't afford a single defection in the committee given that every Democrat is expected to oppose him. If Tillis and Cornyn both back Blanche, he would still need to avoid significant defections on the Senate floor.

Republicans are seeking to confirm Blanche before leaving for their scheduled August recess at the end of the week.

Over the weekend, Trump doubled down on his commitment to push for the anti-weaponization fund, saying he will work to enshrine it into law even if it costs him his nominee for attorney general.