Blanche’s Confirmation Deal: Trump’s Weaponization Fund Could Return

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears to have secured the committee votes needed to advance his nomination. He cleared the path by agreeing to rescind Donald Trump’s controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and narrow sweeping IRS audit protections for Trump and his family. But does the deal truly kill the fund—or merely clear a political hurdle while leaving the door open for its return? Corey and John argue that walking back these dangerous policies does not erase Blanche’s complicity in advancing them, nor does it prove him fit to lead the Justice Department. They also break down a consequential week for executive power and the nation’s democratic guardrails: Elections: Trump’s escalating attempt to expand federal control over mail voting. Press Freedom: Withdrawn Justice Department subpoenas that sought testimony and phone records from New York Times journalists. Media Pressure: The FCC’s continuing pressure campaign against ABC. Surveillance: Allegations that the Secret Service illegally tracked James Comey and his wife. Intelligence: The Senate’s party-line confirmation of Jay Clayton to lead the intelligence community. The checks on executive power are being tested in real time. Some are holding. Others may prove temporary. Timestamps: 1:20 – Todd Blanche Confirmation Proceedings 18:03 – Trump Cheating in the Midterms 28:03 – Federal Agencies Aren’t Sticking to Their Purpose 28:56 – Jawboning and Media Censorship 47:39 – Why Everyone Should See “The Odyssey” 51:08 – Trump is a Threat to Democracy; the Courts Can Help 54:26 – Trump is Suffering in the Polls