Cornyn and Tillis back Blanche for attorney general after deal on "anti-weaponization" fund

Key Points:

• GOP Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis announced their support for Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general after the Justice Department formally terminated the controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and clarified the limited scope of tax immunity granted in a settlement with former President Trump.
• The senators' backing removes a major obstacle for Blanche, allowing the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance his nomination to the full Senate, following delays caused by their earlier opposition over concerns about the IRS settlement and audit protections.
• The "anti-weaponization" fund, part of a settlement addressing Trump's lawsuit over leaked tax returns, would have allowed claims for compensation from alleged government "weaponization," but faced bipartisan criticism over potential misuse by Jan. 6 Capitol attack convicts.
• Blanche issued a formal order rescinding the fund and restricting tax immunity to Trump, his two older sons, and the Trump Organization for already filed tax returns, following negotiations with Cornyn, Tillis, and other Judiciary Committee members.
• Despite the reversal, former President Trump defended the fund as a positive measure for those unfairly targeted by the government, while expressing uncertainty about his involvement in the decision to end the program.