Amna Nawaz
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Blanche defends Trump's $1.8 billion 'lawfare' fund
Posted
May 20, 2026
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May 20, 2026
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2:09Now PlayingActing Attorney General Todd Blanche is defending the creation of the nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund as part of that IRS settlement.
It's meant to compensate Trump supporters who say they have been unfairly treated by the U.S. justice system.
During an at times contentious Senate hearing on Tuesday, Blanche pledged what he called full transparency on who will receive payments. But Democrats slammed the fund as an illegal abuse of power.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen called it an illegal, corrupt self-dealing scheme that could benefit Jan. 6 rioters, among others.
During a White House briefing later in the day, Vice President JD Vance was also asked about the fund and the possibility of taxpayer money going to those convicted of Jan. 6 and related crimes.
"What I'm committing to is a legal process to review these claims and to make sure that people who were mistreated by their government get a little bit of compensation because of it," Vance said.
Two police officers who defended the Capitol against Jan. 6 rioters filed a lawsuit Wednesday to block the fund.
Some top Republicans say they need more details about how this fund will work.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters today that he is, "not a big fan."
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