US Justice chief drops controversial compensation fund to advance Senate confirmation
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has canceled a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund that had become a major obstacle to his confirmation by the Senate.
Blanche, a former attorney for Donald Trump, announced the decision on Sunday, describing it as the result of "good-faith discussions" with senators and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who had been blocking his nomination for weeks.
The move is widely seen as an effort to secure enough political support for his permanent appointment to the Justice Department.
Fund had sparked criticism in Congress
The fund, described as an "anti-weaponization" initiative, was intended to compensate individuals who were prosecuted during the administration of former President Joe Biden and whom supporters argued had been unfairly targeted.
Critics in Congress said the proposal risked politicizing the Justice Department and creating the appearance that government resources could be used to reward political allies.
The controversy became a central issue during Senate discussions over Blanche's nomination, with several lawmakers demanding that the fund be abandoned before they would consider supporting his confirmation.
Senate approval remains uncertain
By rescinding the measure, Blanche has addressed one of the principal objections raised by senators. However, it remains unclear whether the decision will be sufficient to guarantee his confirmation, as broader concerns about his independence and previous legal work for Trump continue to be debated.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to continue examining his nomination in the coming days.
Debate reflects broader tensions over the Justice Department
The dispute highlights the continuing political battle over the role of the US Department of Justice and allegations of partisan influence in federal investigations.
Republicans have frequently argued that conservative figures were unfairly targeted under the Biden administration, while Democrats have warned against actions they say could undermine prosecutorial independence.
Blanche's decision to withdraw the fund may ease immediate confirmation tensions, but the broader debate over the politicization of justice is likely to remain a significant issue in Washington.
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