Trump administration scraps $1.8bn ‘anti-weaponisation fund’

The Trump administration will comply with a court ruling that halted the establishment of a $1.8 billion fund intended to counter "weaponization." Despite the Justice Department's strong disagreement with the decision, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer both expressed their opposition to the fund. Thune suggested the White House should shut it down, while Schumer indicated Democrats would push for legislation to ban it permanently. Former Vice President Mike Pence also criticized the fund, calling it a "bad idea from the start." The article does not specify when the ruling occurred or the exact location of these statements, beyond "Capitol Hill."

President Donald Trump is reconsidering a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate his allies, according to an AP source. The Justice Department announced it would temporarily pause the fund's implementation to comply with a court order. This potential retreat follows legal setbacks and political backlash from Republicans concerned about oversight and the possibility of payouts to Jan. 6 Capitol riot participants. The fund, established to resolve Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, was defended by the administration as a corrective measure for alleged "weaponized law enforcement." However, Republican lawmakers have expressed strong opposition, complicating legislative efforts. A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily halted the fund's formation pending further arguments.

President Donald Trump's proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate victims of alleged government "weaponisation" has been put on hold. This decision follows strong opposition from Republicans in Congress, according to three sources familiar with the plan. The halt underscores a growing willingness among some Republican senators to challenge the president's actions. The proposal was dropped as senators returned from their Memorial Day break, facing an impasse with the president over a $72 billion bill for ICE and Border Patrol. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated he informed the White House that the fund needed to be eliminated.

President Donald Trump is reportedly halting a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation" fund following bipartisan backlash, including from fellow Republicans. The fund, announced as part of a settlement with the IRS after Trump dropped a lawsuit alleging tax return leaks, was intended to compensate victims of alleged government "weaponisation." Congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, had urged Trump to drop the fund. Democrats criticized the reported pause, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer vowing to advance legislation to prevent future presidents from establishing such funds. The fund faced legal challenges and criticism as a potential payout for Trump allies, with a federal judge having temporarily blocked its creation.

Democrats in the US Senate plan to force a vote to challenge a $1.8 billion "MAGA slush fund" established as part of a settlement in Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called the fund "corrupt" and a "slush fund," stating Democrats will not allow it to stand. The fund, described as a means to compensate victims of politicized prosecutions, has raised concerns even among Republicans, with former Vice President Mike Pence calling potential payments to January 6 rioters "deeply offensive." A federal judge has temporarily blocked transfers from the fund following a lawsuit to dissolve it. Democrats intend to push for measures to block payments and preserve records.