Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has formally withdrawn a proposal to create a fund tied to former President Trump, according to BBC. The move comes just before the Senate is scheduled to vote on his confirmation as the permanent attorney general.
BBC reports that Blanche’s decision to scrap the plan removes a major point of contention in his confirmation process. The proposal had drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, with some Republicans voicing concerns about its scope and legal basis.
The fund, which had been described as an “anti-weaponization” measure, was meant to address claims of political bias in federal law enforcement. However, critics argued that the plan was poorly defined and could create unintended consequences, according to CNN. The outlet noted that Blanche’s concessions to Senators John Cornyn and John Tillis still left significant gaps, with details on oversight and funding unclear.
The New York Times reported that Blanche provided written assurances to GOP senators about the IRS deal, attempting to address their concerns before the vote. The Guardian said holdouts who had previously opposed advancing his nomination now say they will move it forward to the full Senate.
CBC confirmed that Blanche rescinded the fund in his capacity as acting attorney general, a step that appears to have smoothed his path toward confirmation. The Senate vote is expected to take place imminently, and the withdrawal is seen as a key concession to secure bipartisan support.
What to watch next: whether the Senate confirms Blanche without further delays, and how his withdrawal of the fund plan affects his agenda if he takes office permanently.
