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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 3, 2026Hillsborough

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinds $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund'

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal order officially canceling the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' intended to compensate individuals claiming unfair prosecution. The move follows pressure from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who conditioned their support for Blanche's attorney general nomination on the written termination of the fund.

Department of JusticeAnti-Weaponization FundSenate ConfirmationExecutive OrderFederal Budget
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Why It Matters

The cancellation of this $1.8 billion fund removes a proposed federal compensation program that had faced bipartisan scrutiny over concerns it could provide payments to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Key Facts

  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche officially rescinded the May 18, 2026, order that created the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
  • The fund was originally intended to compensate individuals who believed they were unfairly prosecuted.
  • The cancellation was a direct response to demands from Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who withheld support for Blanche's confirmation as attorney general.
  • The Department of Justice had previously represented to district courts and Congress that the fund was not moving forward prior to this formal rescission.
  • The fund faced bipartisan criticism regarding the potential for payments to be made to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.
  • Todd Blanche was elevated to acting attorney general in April 2026 following the firing of Pam Bondi.
  • Blanche previously served as a defense lawyer for Donald Trump.

Who's Mentioned

personPam Bondi“Former official fired in April.”personDonald Trump“President who proposed the fund.”personJohn Cornyn“Republican Senator from Texas who blocked the nomination.”personTodd Blanche“Acting Attorney General who issued the order to rescind the fund.”personThom Tillis“Republican Senator from North Carolina who blocked the nomination.”