UMVA has learned that a heated confrontation erupted in the Senate Appropriations Committee when Attorney General Todd Blanche was grilled over the Justice Department’s new fiscal plans.
Blanche faced a barrage of questions about a $1.776 billion fund aimed at victims of what critics call “lawfare.” The hearing followed the controversial creation of this pool, which many fear could be weaponized against former Trump allies.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a senior committee member, called the fund a “slush fund” and accused the Justice Department of lining the pockets of those convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.
The dispute flared when Van Hollen cited a former rioter, Andrew Paul Johnson, who was pardoned by the former president and allegedly promised to use restitution money to silence child‑abuse victims.
Johnson, sentenced to life in prison in March 2026, allegedly told a victim on Discord that he would share a $10 million payout from the fund, placing the victim in his will to receive any surplus.
Blanche defended the Department, insisting the so‑called Anti‑Weaponization Fund never existed when Johnson made those promises.
Van Hollen warned the Attorney General that he must not repeat such statements, accusing him of lying and demanding concrete rules to bar individuals like Johnson from receiving any funds.
The debate highlights a deeper clash: Democrats argue the Department is preparing restitution for Jan. 6 defendants, while Republicans fear the money will empower former Trump allies.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this confrontation underscores a growing divide over how to handle the financial fallout from the Capitol riots and the legacy of presidential pardons.
