Blanche Officially Ends Trump's Compensation Fund

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally rescinded the Trump administration's proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for political allies, fulfilling a key demand from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis as he seeks Senate confirmation as attorney general.

Blanche had announced in June that the Justice Department would not proceed with the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund. Cornyn and Tillis nevertheless insisted that the commitment be put in writing after President Donald Trump continued to publicly support the proposal.

The Justice Department said the fund never became operational. No board members were appointed, no money was transferred, no application process was established and no claims were paid. According to the department, the new order removes any remaining doubt that the fund will not go ahead.

In a separate order, Blanche also narrowed the scope of a controversial provision limiting IRS audits of Trump and members of his family. He clarified that it applies only to tax matters already under review when the settlement was reached and does not prevent future tax audits.

(AP, bak)