Trump Defends Proposed $1.8 Billion Fund as Todd Blanche Nomination Stalls

President Donald Trump has defended a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate allies he describes as victims of government abuse, while the nomination of Todd Blanche for US Attorney General remains stalled in the Senate. Blanche, who is currently serving as acting attorney general, faces opposition from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. These lawmakers are demanding written assurances that the Justice Department will not implement the fund before they back his confirmation.

The fund was proposed as part of a settlement to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the leak of his tax returns. The proposed agreement would have created the fund and barred the IRS from auditing Trump's tax returns. While Blanche previously stated the fund was dead following backlash, Trump continues to support it, arguing that patriots who were hunted down like dogs should be paid back.

Framing of the fund varies by political perspective. Center-right and center sources refer to it as an anti-weaponization fund, while center-left coverage describes it as a slush fund. Critics and center-left reports further note that the money could potentially be paid to individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Trump has suggested he may temporarily withdraw Blanche's nomination and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis leave office, though he intends to keep Blanche in the acting role in the meantime. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated he expects a vote once the opposing senators are satisfied. Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Trump, has also faced questions regarding his firm's past payments from a Trump-aligned political action committee and his handling of the Epstein files.