Weaponization Fund’? Why It Matters Trump Didn’t Sign Order

Key Points:

• President Trump confirmed he did not sign Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s order rescinding the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund," leaving open the possibility that the fund could be revived despite Blanche’s statement that it was "dead."
• Trump defended the fund, saying it would have been "very fair" and could have provided "some solace" to Jan. 6 rioters, while key Republican senators, including Tillis and Cornyn, expressed support for Blanche’s confirmation despite legal concerns about the fund’s status.
• Legal experts widely view Blanche’s rescission order as potentially ineffective, noting the fund could be reinstated once Blanche is confirmed, and the Trump administration might still provide payouts to allies through other means even if the fund is not formally revived.
• The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to approve Blanche’s nomination soon, with the full Senate vote possibly delayed until after the August recess; Blanche will remain acting attorney general regardless of the confirmation vote timing.
• Cornyn and Tillis secured DOJ assurances narrowing Trump’s IRS immunity agreement to apply only retroactively and to specific parties, but critics question whether these limits are fully enforceable, raising ongoing legal uncertainties around the settlement.