Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is set to appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday to defend President Trump’s fiscal 2027 budget request for the Justice Department, a $40.8 billion proposal that marks a 13 percent increase over current spending levels.
Blanche, who stepped into the role after former DOJ Secretary Pam Bondi was removed from office, will face pointed questions from lawmakers about the department’s priorities and a controversial new program announced just Monday.
‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ Draws Fire
The centerpiece of the hearing is likely to be the so-called “anti-weaponization fund,” created as part of a settlement after the Trump administration dropped a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The fund, totaling nearly $2 billion, is designed to pay out settlements and issue formal apologies to individuals who claim they were wronged by federal agencies.
Critics argue the fund could be used to reward political allies of the president, a charge the administration denies. The Senate grilling of Blanche over the $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies is expected to dominate the morning session.
Epstein Investigation and Political Foes
Lawmakers are also expected to press Blanche on the status of the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as any ongoing indictments against the president’s political opponents. The acting attorney general has previously defended the department’s independence, but Democrats have raised concerns about potential politicization.
Blanche will also appear before the House later Tuesday for a second round of testimony, continuing a busy day of congressional oversight.
Budget Context and Broader Battles
The $40.8 billion request comes as the administration pushes for significant spending increases across multiple departments. The House has already passed a $2 billion VA funding bill, signaling the start of a broader budget battle. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is seeking a $1.5 trillion budget amid heightened tensions with Iran, and HUD Secretary Scott Turner is facing his own Senate grilling over Trump's $73.5 billion housing plan.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT. A live video feed is available above.
