Todd Blanche, the US acting attorney general, said Tuesday the government would not proceed with a proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate individuals claiming to be victims of unfair prosecution. The announcement followed strong opposition from Senate Republicans, who had refused to support a major immigration enforcement bill unless the fund was scrapped. "We're not moving forward with the fund, period," Blanche told a House Appropriations subcommittee, repeating the statement for emphasis.
The fund had drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with opponents labeling it a slush fund for allies of President Trump. Despite withdrawing the proposal, Blanche confirmed that a prior order blocking the I.R.S. from investigating Trump, his family, and his businesses for existing tax violations would remain in place. He clarified that the tax directive would not protect Trump or associates from future investigations.
Democrats sharply criticized the decision. Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, questioned whether the tax immunity would be reversed, telling Blanche, "So the blanket immunity is, is not something that you're going to move back on?" She accused him of putting the president's financial interests above public interest and said, "You do not belong in this job." Blanche, who previously served as Trump's defense lawyer, has faced scrutiny over the perceived conflict of interest.
The withdrawal of the fund may ease tensions with Senate Republicans, but the tax-related order continues to draw fire. Democrats argue the arrangement could shield Trump from a potential $100 million penalty. The issue is expected to become a focal point in the upcoming midterm elections, with critics highlighting the contrast between financial protections for the president and economic struggles faced by ordinary Americans.
Todd Blanche killed the $1.8bn fund after Republicans revolted, yet kept a tax order shielding Trump from I.R.S. scrutiny. He once defended Trump in court, now he shields him in office while denying it's about personal interest. The same Republicans who rejected the fund as unethical accept immunity that benefits the president financially. Ordinary Americans see a billionaire protected from penalties while they face rising costs with no relief.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
