ECONOMY

Todd Blanche Confirms Scrapping of $1.8 Billion Fund Ahead of Confirmation Vote

Acting US attorney-general withdraws proposed ‘anti-weaponisation fund’ following opposition from Republican senators.

3 August 2026 · 08:38 · 1 sources

On August 3, 2026, acting US attorney-general Todd Blanche announced the cancellation of a proposed $1.8 billion fund described as an ‘anti-weaponisation fund’. The decision came after two Republican senators threatened to block his confirmation vote. Blanche reversed the plan to avoid jeopardizing his nomination.

Sources

Financal Times — Todd Blanche confirms scrapping of $1.8bn ‘slush fund’ ahead of confirmation vote

THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND

Todd Blanche Confirms Scrapping of $1.8 Billion Fund Ahead of Confirmation Vote

Sources

What specific concerns did the two Republican senators raise about the proposed fund?

How might the removal of the $1.8 billion fund impact US government efforts against weaponisation?

What alternatives, if any, has Todd Blanche proposed to address the issues targeted by the scrapped fund?

To what extent did partisan considerations influence the decision to scrap the fund?

How will this decision affect Todd Blanche's support among other Senate members during the confirmation process?