Explore

Senator Bill Cassidy Opposes Anti-Weaponization Fund, Citing Constitutional Concerns

Senator Bill Cassidy Opposes Anti-Weaponization Fund, Citing Constitutional Concerns

Senator Bill Cassidy, along with Senator Cory Booker, has signed an amicus brief opposing the 'anti-weaponization' fund, which is currently under judicial review in Virginia. The fund, initially part of a settlement from President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, was designed to provide legal relief to victims of 'lawfare.' Cassidy and Booker argue that the fund poses a 'dire threat' to the constitutional order and Congressional authority, as it could potentially compensate individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. The brief emphasizes that using public funds in this manner undermines democratic processes. The Justice Department, represented by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, has stated that it will not pursue the fund, although the court's decision remains pending.

Senate Uncertainty Looms Over Todd Blanche's Attorney General Confirmation

Senate Uncertainty Looms Over Todd Blanche's Attorney General Confirmation

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed uncertainty about the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general. Blanche, who is currently serving as acting attorney general and was previously President Trump's personal attorney, faces skepticism from key Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee. Concerns have been raised by Sen. Thom Tillis regarding Blanche's stance on the January 6 Capitol riot and the controversial 'anti-weaponization' fund, which aims to compensate individuals who claim wrongful prosecution by the government. President Trump announced his intention to nominate Blanche permanently, following the firing of Pam Bondi. Blanche has been involved in high-profile cases, including the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, which has bolstered his standing with the White House. However, his handling of sensitive cases, such as the Jeffrey Epstein files, has sparked controversy.

President Trump's Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche Faces Senate Confirmation Hurdles

President Trump's Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche Faces Senate Confirmation Hurdles

President Trump has nominated Todd Blanche, his former personal defense attorney, to be the permanent Attorney General. Blanche, currently serving as acting Attorney General, has been involved in several controversial actions, including the administration's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' and the release of the Epstein files. His nomination is expected to face significant challenges in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where some Republicans have expressed concerns about his independence and past actions. Senators Cory Booker and John Cornyn have voiced reservations, highlighting the potential for politically motivated prosecutions under Blanche's leadership.

Senators Oppose $1.8 Billion Payout Fund Amid Immigration Funding Debate

Senators Oppose $1.8 Billion Payout Fund Amid Immigration Funding Debate

Republican lawmakers have expressed strong opposition to a proposed $1.8 billion payout fund intended for individuals who claim they were unfairly investigated by the government. This opposition comes as the Senate advances a budget package focused on immigration enforcement funding. The proposal, known as the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' was initially supported by the Trump administration but faced backlash over concerns that it might compensate individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that most Republicans were reassured by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's statement that the Justice Department would abandon the fund. However, some Republicans, like Senator Thom Tillis, are pushing for amendments to ensure the fund cannot be revived. The fund was part of a settlement related to President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax records.

Republicans debate limits on $1.8B Trump settlement in late-night Senate session

Republicans debate limits on $1.8B Trump settlement in late-night Senate session

Senate Republicans are working toward passage of legislation to fund President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies

Senate Rejects Trump's Funding Proposals for Ballroom and 'Weaponization Fund'

Senate Rejects Trump's Funding Proposals for Ballroom and 'Weaponization Fund'

The Senate has officially rejected two major funding proposals from President Trump in the upcoming budget reconciliation bill. These proposals included a $1 billion allocation for constructing a ballroom on the White House grounds and a $1.776 billion 'weaponization fund' intended to provide payouts to individuals prosecuted by the Department of Justice under Democratic administrations. The latter proposal was criticized as a 'slush fund' for Trump's allies and convicted January 6 rioters. Senate Republicans, facing internal opposition, removed these items from the bill text after a contentious meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Despite the White House's retreat, President Trump remains adamant about implementing the fund, expressing his intentions in a podcast interview.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Declines to Clarify IRS Audit Immunity for President Trump

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Declines to Clarify IRS Audit Immunity for President Trump

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has refused to confirm whether President Trump and his family continue to receive immunity from IRS audits. This issue arose during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, where Bessent was questioned about the status of a $1.776 billion compensation fund that was initially planned to benefit the president's allies. The fund was scrapped following bipartisan backlash, but the status of the IRS audit immunity remains unclear. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that the immunity might still be in effect, despite the fund's cancellation. Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration over Bessent's lack of transparency, with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto accusing him of dodging questions. The White House has not provided further clarification, and President Trump himself has not confirmed the current status of the fund or the immunity.

DOJ Halts $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund Amid GOP Concerns

DOJ Halts $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund Amid GOP Concerns

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will not proceed with a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, which has been a contentious issue in Congress. The fund was designed to provide financial compensation to individuals claiming federal government misuse against them. Blanche confirmed this decision during a House Appropriations Committee hearing, responding to Democratic Rep. Grace Meng's inquiries. The fund faced significant opposition from Republicans, who argued it could undermine their legislative agenda. The decision follows a district judge's temporary block on the fund's establishment, and Blanche's testimony aimed to reassure GOP members. Despite this, some Republicans remain skeptical about the fund's complete abandonment, as it was part of a legal settlement involving President Trump and the IRS.

Trump indicates acting Attorney General Blanche will become permanent

Trump indicates acting Attorney General Blanche will become permanent

WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed he would make acting Attorney General Todd Blanche permanent as the top U.S. law enforcement officer. "He's a very talented guy.

Trump Administration Drops $1.8 Billion Fund in IRS Deal, Maintains Tax Probe Ban

Trump Administration Drops $1.8 Billion Fund in IRS Deal, Maintains Tax Probe Ban

The Trump administration has decided to abandon plans for a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate victims of alleged government 'weaponization.' This decision was announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during a congressional hearing. The fund was part of an agreement with the IRS and Treasury Department following leaks of President Trump's tax information. While the fund has been scrapped, the deal still includes a provision granting immunity from tax-related probes into President Trump, his family, and his companies. This aspect of the agreement has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue it provides undue protection to the president's financial interests.

Federal Government Scraps Trump's $1.8bn Anti-Weaponization Fund, Maintains IRS Audit Immunity

Federal Government Scraps Trump's $1.8bn Anti-Weaponization Fund, Maintains IRS Audit Immunity

The federal government has decided to abandon the creation of a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate allies of President Trump, as announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Despite this, an agreement remains in place that prevents the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from auditing President Trump, his family, and related entities. This decision was revealed during a House appropriations committee hearing, where Blanche emphasized that while the fund will not proceed, the reasons for its initial proposal remain significant. The fund faced opposition from both Democrats and Republicans due to concerns over its lack of restrictions and potential constitutional issues, such as violating the emoluments clause. Legal challenges have also arisen, with a federal judge in Virginia blocking any action on the fund and another in Florida reopening the case to investigate potential wrongdoing.

Trump says he's nominating Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general

Trump says he's nominating Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general

President Donald Trump says he will nominate Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general, tapping his former personal attorney who has aggressively pursued the Republican president’s agenda while leading the Justice Department in an acting role