# Acting AG Defends Trump Fund and Tax Immunity in Senate Hearing

Controversial 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and Trump's audit protections face bipartisan scrutiny.

- **Source:** [Fortune | FORTUNE](https://brifing.si/source/769282ef-327a-4454-909a-3c7936216004)
- **Published:** 2026-07-15
- **Original article:** <https://fortune.com/2026/07/15/blanche-im-his-lawyer-confirmation-hearing/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/91205576-fa1e-43e1-a7df-5af1a558cfa3

## Fate of Controversial Fund

Acting AG Todd Blanche defended the Trump-era $1.776B 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' in Senate hearings. While claiming it was discontinued, senators questioned the lack of written guarantees. Republican Cornyn warned the fund could potentially be revived without explicit termination.

## Ongoing Tax Protections

Blanche confirmed Trump's family retains immunity from current tax audits, though future filings remain subject to review. His 'no one above the law' statement drew skepticism given the special arrangements made for the former president.

## Intra-Party Resistance

Republican senators Cornyn and Tillis pressured Blanche to fully abolish the fund, risking his confirmation. Retiring senators' potential independence from Trump could shift the balance in the closely divided committee.

## Epstein Files Mishandling

DOJ's flawed release of Epstein documents—including uncensored victim photos—faced sharp criticism. Blanche admitted errors but defended transparency, despite files being released only after congressional pressure.

## Personal Lawyer Allegations

Democrats accused Blanche of acting as Trump's personal counsel, citing FBI prosecutor removals and investigations into political rivals. These actions contradicted his prior confirmation hearing pledges.

## Justice System Trust Crisis

Blanche argued Biden-era investigations eroded faith in justice, claiming 'we're fixing it.' Critics viewed this as partisan maneuvering, deepening concerns about DOJ independence.

## Confirmation Tipping Point

Blanche needs unanimous GOP support in committee. Cornyn's hesitation and Epstein file scandals may become pivotal in this historic justice department leadership battle.

## Sources covering this story

- https://fortune.com/2026/07/15/blanche-im-his-lawyer-confirmation-hearing/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
