Trump’s US$1.8 billion ‘weaponisation’ fund on hold after fierce opposition from Congress

US President Donald Trump’s US$1.8 billion ⁠fund to compensate victims of alleged government “weaponisation” has been put on hold after the White House faced fierce opposition from Republicans in Congress, three sources familiar with the plan said on Monday.The extraordinary rebuke of Trump underscored an increased appetite to flex political power among some Republican senators against the president’s actions, particularly after his endorsement against two of ‌their Senate colleagues ahead of a crucial midterm election.The proposal was dropped as senators returned to Washington after their Memorial Day break and faced an impasse with the president over a US$72 billion bill to fund ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Border Patrol operations. Speaking to reporters, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he made clear to the White House the fund needed to be killed.