Acting attorney general Todd Blanche has confirmed that the Trump administration has abandoned plans to create a $1.8bn 'anti-weaponisation' fund intended to compensate the president's allies. The decision follows fierce political backlash and setbacks in the courts.
'We are not moving forward with the fund, period,' Blanche said, adding that this will remain true even after a federal court's order to block the fund expires on 12 June. Reports from GOP leadership had indicated the fund was dead and 'off the table'.
However, Blanche later stated that the Department of Justice would continue granting immunity to Trump, his family members and his businesses from IRS investigations. 'Nothing has changed with that,' Blanche said, denying claims that the tax order would give 'blanket immunity' to Trump and his associates.
In other developments, Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has raised concerns, with Republican Senate majority leader John Thune saying 'we don't need a weaponised' national intelligence director. Homeland security secretary Markwayne Mullin also faced scrutiny for refusing to commit to following court orders.
Meanwhile, Trump reportedly yelled at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over threats to resume airstrikes on Beirut, and the president announced he will attend the rescheduled White House Correspondents' dinner on 24 July.
