NPR News: 07-15-2026 6PM EDT

Speaker 10:00

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Jeanine Herbst· Host0:15

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Hurst. During his confirmation hearing today, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche failed-- faced some tough questions, even from Republicans. Much of the scrutiny focused on a highly controversial fund that would have funneled taxpayer dollars to Trump allies who have been prosecuted for crimes. NPR's Jaclyn Diaz has more.

Jaclyn Diaz0:39

The nearly one point eight billion dollar anti-weaponization fund was created earlier this year. It was part of a settlement with Trump to end his lawsuit against the IRS over his leaked tax returns. The fund was killed after bipartisan pushback, but Blanche still faced a ton of questions on it during his hearing. Republican Senator John Cornyn pointed out that Trump has not agreed in writing to officially kill the fund and said the settlement is still technically an enforceable contract. Blanche confirmed that, but said no matter what, the fund is dead.

Todd Blanche· Soundbite1:10

There's no fund, so the results of such litigation, whatever it would be, wouldn't be a revival of the fund.

Jaclyn Diaz1:16

But Cornyn said he is not convinced and that he's not sure he will vote to confirm Blanche. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR News.

Jeanine Herbst· Host1:23

Maine Governor Janet Mills called on Congress to dramatically reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement