Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) expressed doubt on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, about the Senate confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the full-time post. Speaking on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Kennedy said he “wouldn’t bet my house” on Blanche’s confirmation, noting that GOP Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) remain opposed to advancing Blanche’s nomination due to concerns over the Justice Department’s (DOJ) handling of the so-called "anti-weaponization" fund.

The $1.776 billion fund was initially created by the DOJ in mid-May as part of President Donald Trump’s settlement agreement with the Internal Revenue Service but was dropped roughly two weeks later following bipartisan criticism and judicial concerns. Cornyn and Tillis have vowed to block Blanche’s nomination unless the DOJ provides assurances that the fund will not be revived.

This opposition led Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to cancel a scheduled meeting to consider Blanche’s nomination. Tillis lamented on social media that it was "unfortunate" Blanche, whom he considers qualified, would not be confirmed due to this reversal.

President Trump stated on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, that he would keep Blanche as acting attorney general as long as Cornyn and Tillis oppose his confirmation. Trump also threatened to "push hard" for legislation to codify the anti-weaponization fund, a move Tillis said would face opposition from a majority of Senate Republicans.

Kennedy, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a lawyer, emphasized that individuals who believe they have been wronged by the federal government already have recourse through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which allows claims against the government for wrongful or negligent injury. He specifically said that rioters convicted of attacking police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot should be excluded from benefiting from any such fund, stating he would “take that issue completely off the table.”

Kennedy also acknowledged that while he is open to improving the existing mechanisms, any legislation concerning the anti-weaponization fund should not provide a "blank check" to the administration. He noted that President Trump himself conceded that legislation would be required to establish such a fund.

The stalemate over the fund remains a key obstacle to Blanche’s confirmation, with Cornyn and Tillis actively negotiating with the DOJ to resolve the impasse, though Kennedy expressed skepticism about a deal being reached.

Sources