The Unfettered Fund: Blanche’s Blind Spot on Justice

The Trump administration’s latest attempt to rewrite the rules of justice has raised more questions than answers. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s non-committal stance on who can receive payouts from a new $1.8 billion fund aimed at compensating those targeted by the Biden administration highlights the administration’s willingness to put politics over the law.

The Anti-Weaponization Fund, which aims to right wrongs committed against individuals perceived as victims of “weaponization and lawfare,” is a thinly veiled attempt to create an avenue for Trump allies to receive financial compensation or formal apologies. This approach sets a disturbing precedent that could have far-reaching implications for the rule of law.

Blanche’s reluctance to explicitly exclude individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot from receiving payments suggests a willingness to sidestep accountability and opt instead for a commission-driven approach, where rules are set by those close to Trump. This undermines the integrity of the justice system and perpetuates the notion that might makes right.

Critics have labeled the fund a taxpayer-backed “slush fund” designed to reward Trump allies. Blanche’s dismissal of this characterization falls flat given the administration’s track record on ethics: when it comes to rewarding friends and punishing enemies, the law is merely a suggestion.

At a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing, Blanche was unable or unwilling to provide clarity on how the fund will operate. When asked if members of the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers could receive payments, he deferred to the commission, saying it was their decision to make. This lack of transparency fuels concerns about abuse of power.

The coincidence that Treasury General Counsel Brian Morrissey resigned the same day as the creation of this fund cannot be ignored. While Blanche dismissed it as a mere coincidence, it’s hard not to see a connection between Morrissey’s departure and the creation of this fund. The optics are certainly suspicious, especially given the reported link between Morrissey’s resignation and the fund.

This development is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s administration using funds to reward allies and punish enemies. It’s a continuation of the president’s long-standing practice of mixing politics with justice. This blurring of lines has far-reaching implications for the rule of law and raises questions about who ultimately benefits from such funds.

The Anti-Weaponization Fund represents a fundamental shift in how we approach justice, attempting to create a system where those with power can use their influence to secure payouts, regardless of the merits of their case. This is not justice; it’s a perversion of it.

As the DOJ continues to navigate this uncharted territory, one thing is clear: the American people demand transparency and accountability from their institutions, especially when it comes to matters as critical as justice. The Unfettered Fund, in its current form, falls woefully short of these expectations. It’s time for Blanche and the DOJ to step back and re-evaluate this fund’s purpose before it becomes a vehicle for abuse.