WATCH: Corruption ‘has never been more blatant’ with new DOJ fund, Sen. Murray tells Blanche

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., questioned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about the Justice Department’s new “Anti-Weaponization Fund” on Tuesday in a hearing before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee.

On Monday, the Justice Department announced an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as part of a settlement with Trump to end a lawsuit against the IRS over the leaking of his tax returns. The $1.7 billion fund would offer payouts to Trump allies who claim they had been unfairly targeted by the Justice Department under the Biden administration.

Government watchdogs and Democratic lawmakers blasted the creation of the fund as corruption, saying it could reward – with taxpayer money – people who had helped storm the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, among others.

Murray asked Blanche whether he thought it was appropriate for President Donald Trump to use Americans’ “tax dollars to set up a slush fund to enrich his own friends.”

She noted the economic pressures of inflation and gas prices, which have been on the rise for months due to the U.S. war in Iran.

Blanche disagreed with Murray’s characterization of the fund, but Murray doubled down.

“I just have to tell you, this is corruption that has never been more blatant,” Murray said.

“What is happening is, you write the check, Trump and his cronies cash it. American taxpayers, who are already being whacked with high prices, are gonna foot the bill. That's what we are seeing today," she added.

Blanche was invited to testify on Trump’s 2027 budget request for the Justice Department, but faced questions on a number of issues.

Sign up for Here's The Deal with Lisa Desjardins

Subscribe for exclusive content in our newsletters

PBS News podcasts

Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app

Find more from PBS News at

Subscribe to our YouTube channel