Controversy erupted after acting AG Todd Blanche declined to rule out payouts to people convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot|@DAGToddBlanche|X
Vice President JD Vance and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced tough questions Tuesday over a new $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” tied to President Donald Trump’s settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The fund aims to compensate people who claim the federal government unfairly targeted them during former President Joe Biden’s administration. But controversy erupted after Vance and Blanche declined to rule out payouts to people convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot.
During a White House briefing, Vance said applications would be reviewed on a “case-by-case” basis and stressed that “anybody can apply.” Blanche made similar remarks during a Senate hearing, saying an independent five-person commission would decide eligibility rules.
Bipartisan criticism grows
The announcement has sparked backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was “not a big fan” of the program and questioned its purpose.
Democratic lawmakers accused the administration of creating a taxpayer-funded reward system for Trump allies. Critics also raised concerns after the settlement reportedly blocked future IRS claims against Trump, his family, and their businesses tied to past tax matters.
Blanche promised “full transparency” through quarterly reports but declined to identify who would serve on the commission overseeing the fund.