Senate advances Todd Blanche to be Trump's attorney general despite 'weaponization,' Epstein and abortion concerns

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination to be Donald Trump's next attorney general on Tuesday, despite protests from Democrats. The article identifies the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' as a $1.776 billion fund created by the AG's May 18, 2026 order, aimed at rewarding persons who were the victims of supposed 'weaponization' of federal prosecution under prior administrations, including Biden's. Blanche's written order, dated August 2, 2026, states: "The Attorney General's May 18, 2026 Order establishing the Anti-Weaponization Fund ('Fund') is rescinded... and shall have nor force or effect." Donald Trump, on Truth Social, is quoted: "They are suffering still, many ruined, and I felt that they should be given compensation for what has been done to them" and "I will always feel that these victims of government abuse should be paid back for what they were forced to endure." Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) is quoted: "Maybe it's a little bit more intense in this administration than the last one." Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is quoted: "There is enough weasel room in these documents to drive a truck through." Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is quoted: "This is ridiculous! We got nothing! No guarantees whatsoever that this slush fund can't go forward." On the next-step timing: the nomination "is now expected to pass the full Senate by a narrow margin." "Whether that will occur before the Senate leaves for the August recess at the end of the week remains up in the air." "No Republicans have definitively said that they'll oppose the vote on final passage."