Senator Accuses Attorney General of Misleading During Budget Hearing

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced accusations from Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) during a recent hearing, where Van Hollen alleged that participants in the January 6 riot, who were pardoned by former President Donald Trump, discussed using future restitution funds to silence victims of child sexual abuse.

Blanche was testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee about the Justice Department’s budget for fiscal year 2027. This hearing occurred right after the department announced a $1.776 billion fund for individuals claiming to be victims of federal laws.

Van Hollen, who ranks as the committee’s leading member, criticized the anti-weaponization fund, labeling it a “slush fund” for Trump’s allies. He expressed concern that this money might benefit individuals facing charges related to the Capitol riot. Trump has pardoned over 1,500 people involved in the riot, including Andrew Paul Johnson, who was sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing minors in 2026.

“He actually tried to buy the children’s silence by offering them a portion of the money he was seeking from your slush fund,” Van Hollen questioned Blanche. “Can you assure us that this individual wouldn’t be eligible for payments from this fund?”

Blanche firmly denied the allegations. “Your question misrepresents the facts because there’s no way someone like that would be part of this,” he stated, emphasizing the non-existence of the so-called slush fund.

In a tense moment, Van Hollen warned Blanche not to dismiss his points. “Please don’t do that again. I’ll report what he said,” he replied. “He seemed to expect some money from dividends.”

Florida officials noted that Johnson had promised to share any restitution money with his victims. In a Discord message, he indicated he expected $10 million following his pardon. Blanche countered that both the Anti-Weaponization Fund and the alleged slush fund did not even exist when Johnson made those promises.

Van Hollen remarked, “This fund has been signaled by the president, and it appears to be set up to benefit his friends.” Meanwhile, Ed Martin, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, is noted as the only Trump administration official advocating for compensation for those convicted in connection with the January 6 events. Still, Democratic senators maintain that the Justice Department is working to make restitution available to defendants from that day.