Blanche defends $1.8B fund that could pay Trump allies, Jan. 6 rioters

Blanche defends $1.8B fund that could pay Trump allies, Jan. 6 rioters

In today’s issue: It’s Tuesday. I can’t get over the viral video of 🎥 children teaching the pope how to do the 6-7 trend. This is so 2026.

Blanche says new DOJ fund could pay Trump allies

Blanche says new DOJ fund could pay Trump allies

Trump shows off ballroom construction

Trump shows off ballroom construction

Vance’s turn at the White House podium

Vance’s turn at the White House podium

Jam-packed primary day in 6 states

Jam-packed primary day in 6 states

Cassidy’s primary loss sends shock waves through GOP

Cassidy’s primary loss sends shock waves through GOP

Have you been wronged by the Biden administration? Call 1-800-DOJ for compensation!:

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is testifying on Capitol Hill today, as most Cabinet secretaries have over the past several weeks.

What is top of mind: Blanche is facing scrutiny over news that the Department of Justice (DOJ) may soon pay President Trump’s allies who claim they have been wrongfully targeted by the Biden administration through a $1.776 billion compensation fund. Blanche called it the “anti-weaponization fund” on Monday and it could pay rioters who have been convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the U.S. Capitol. What to know about this slush fund

Blanche was unsurprisingly asked about this fund: Blanche defended it, arguing it’s not limited to just Republicans. “There’s no limitation on the claim,” Blanche told senators, arguing anyone can apply for the “anti-weaponization” fund.  

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) pushed Blanche to commit to prohibiting Trump campaign donors or members of groups like the Oath Keepers from gaining money from this new fund. Blanche said he would not commit to that pledge.

NEW: The Treasury Department’s chief legal officer has resigned following the DOJ’s decision to open this fund. Read the NYT’s reporting on his resignation letter

Ghislane Maxwell came up: Blanche says he would not recommend a pardon for Jeffrey Epstein’s close associate, Ghislane Maxwell. She’s serving a 20-year prison sentence.

The DOJ’s budget: The White House is seeking $40.8 billion for the DOJ. That’s a 13 percent increase from this year.

💻 Watch Blanche’s hearing

💬 Follow today’s live blog

— Vice President Vance is taking his turn at running a White House press briefing while press secretary Karoline Leavitt is out on maternity leave. Remember, Secretary of State Marco Rubio got his shot earlier this month. 💻 1 p.m. livestream

— The annual Congressional Picnic is happening on the White House’s South Lawn this evening. It’ll be a hot one. 📸 Monday’s ice cream delivery for the picnic

Trump shows off his pet project:

President Trump made an impromptu appearance outside the White House today to show reporters his plans for the new ballroom.

He........

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