Blanche Confession Triggers DOJ Fallout Ahead of Confirmation Hearing

Sen. Dick Durbin claims acting AG Todd Blanche admitted the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund was a mistake, just as Blanche’s Senate confirmation hearing approaches; the DOJ disputed Durbin’s characterizations as out of context private remarks, while critics portray Blanche as leading a punitive DOJ effort against Trump foes. The slush fund faced bipartisan backlash and was abandoned, a backdrop to ongoing questions about Blanche’s role and the administration’s justice department strategy.