The Blanche deal to halt Trump slush fund has been denounced as hollow by Democrats and legal experts, who argue the compromise fails to provide lasting safeguards against the president's ability to reverse course. The agreement, announced by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, was designed to secure his confirmation by appeasing Republican senators, but critics say it offers only temporary assurances that Donald Trump can easily overturn.
What the Blanche Deal Includes
On Sunday evening, Blanche posted two documents withdrawing a May 18 order that allowed the creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. He also clarified that broad tax immunity granted to Trump applied only retroactively to the president, his sons, and their businesses, not as an ongoing exemption.
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The deal was struck with Senators John Cornyn and Tillis, who had threatened to block Blanche's nomination. In response, both senators announced they would support Blanche when his vote reaches the Senate judiciary committee on Tuesday.
Why Critics Call It Hollow
Legal experts and Democrats argue that the assurances are not legally binding in a meaningful way. Brandon DeBot, policy director at the Tax Law Center at NYU, stated, “These assurances are not worth the paper they’re written on.” He emphasized that the deal does not prevent the president from reinstating the fund or expanding tax immunity in the future.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a judiciary committee member, echoed these concerns, calling the agreement “completely hollow” and stressing that congressional action is necessary to enforce real limits.
Comparison of Promises vs. Reality
| Aspect | Blanche's Promise | Reality According to Critics |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-weaponization fund | Withdrawn | Can be reinstated by executive order |
| Tax immunity scope | Retroactive only | Does not prevent future grants |
| Binding nature | Presented as binding | Not enforceable without legislation |
Key Takeaways
- The deal is a political compromise, not a legal safeguard.
- Trump retains the power to reverse the decisions unilaterally.
- Congressional action is needed to provide lasting protections.
- Blanche's confirmation appears likely despite criticism.