Acting AG defends controversial compensation fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before a Senate appropriations subcommittee on May 19, 2026 to answer questions about a newly announced $1.776 billion “Anti‑Weaponization Fund.” The fund is intended to compensate individuals who say they were targeted politically by the Justice Department. Blanche said the money will come from the federal judgment fund, which already pays court‑ordered settlements against the government.
Blanche told Senator Jeff Merkley (D‑OR) that “anyone who believes they were a victim of weaponization” can apply, adding that the program is “not limited to Republicans. It’s not limited to Democrats. It’s not limited to January 6 defendants.” He emphasized that the five‑member commission he will appoint will set the guidelines, but he would not dictate that the commissioners exclude people convicted of violence. When pressed on whether rioters who assaulted police should be barred, Blanche replied, “My feelings don’t matter.”
Democrats condemn the proposal as illegal
Senator Chris Van Hollen, the top Democrat on the subcommittee, blasted the fund as “illegal abuse of power” and a “pure theft of public funds.” He quoted the administration’s own language, calling the move “obscene” and saying, “Rewarding individuals who committed crimes is obscene.” Other Democratic members echoed concerns that the fund represents a partisan payout scheme that undermines the Justice Department’s independence.
Republicans express unease
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is “not a big fan” of the proposal, calling it a “slush fund” and questioning how the administration intends to use it. Former Senator Bill Cassidy likewise said, “We are a nation of laws. You can’t just make up things,” reinforcing Republican skepticism about the fund’s legality.
No definition of “weaponization”
Blanche said the Department will provide “full transparency” about beneficiaries but did not define what constitutes “weaponization.” The lack of a clear definition leaves open how the commission will evaluate applications, especially those from individuals convicted of Jan. 6‑related offenses.
Implications for Justice Department independence
The hearing highlighted tensions between the Justice Department’s traditional role as an independent law‑enforcement agency and the Trump administration’s effort to create a compensation mechanism for perceived political victimization. How the fund is administered could set a precedent for future partisan use of taxpayer dollars to settle political grievances.