WASHINGTON, D.C. — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche released a letter on August 2, 2026, rescinding a plan to create a $1.8 billion fund for President Trump's political allies. The administration had dubbed the rescinded plan the "anti-weaponization fund."

Todd Blanche's letter states that the fund "is not moving forward." The fund was part of a deal made with the Internal Revenue Service under Trump's administration. Todd Wallace Blanche has served as the acting United States attorney general since April 2026. He previously served as the United States deputy attorney general since January 2025.

The rescission occurred as Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis had been blocking Todd Blanche's nomination to hold the job of attorney general permanently. The Senate Judiciary Committee had scheduled a vote to advance Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday morning, according to The Texas Tribune. President Trump threatened to revive the fund if Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis did not back off their objections.

President Trump wanted Senate Republicans to stay in session for the month of August. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said staying in session for August would not be productive. Thune also stated that Senate Republicans are not going to get rid of the filibuster. A long congressional recess is set to begin at the end of the week.

The $1.8 billion fund represented a significant financial commitment directed toward political allies of the president. Its creation was tied to an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service during the current administration. The decision to rescind the plan removes this specific allocation while the confirmation process for the permanent attorney general remains stalled.

Senators Cornyn and Tillis have maintained their opposition to Blanche's permanent appointment. Their stance has prevented a final vote on his nomination despite the scheduled committee proceedings. The interaction between the fund's status and the confirmation blockade shows the ongoing negotiations between the executive branch and members of the Senate majority.

Why It Matters

The rescission of the $1.8 billion fund alters the leverage dynamic between the executive branch and Senate Republicans just before a long congressional recess. By withdrawing the financial commitment tied to an IRS deal, the administration shifts its pressure tactics while Senators Cornyn and Tillis maintain their blockade of the attorney general nomination. This development affects the timeline for confirming a permanent attorney general and determines whether the Senate will remain in session through August.