Trump Halts Controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund as GOP Senators Defend Rule of Law
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
President Donald Trump announced that the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund will not be created, standing with Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who demand written assurances before confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and resist efforts to reward those prosecuted after the January 6 Capitol riot.
President Donald Trump declared on Friday that his administration will not move forward with the creation of a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, a controversial proposal that would have handed out taxpayer money to individuals prosecuted following the January 6 Capitol riot. Speaking at Camp David, Trump stated that officials agreed not to establish the fund, though he personally disagreed with the decision, demonstrating his willingness to listen to concerns from within his party.
This statement followed Trump’s social media remarks highlighting the ongoing hardships faced by those prosecuted by the Justice Department, suggesting they deserve compensation. However, the administration’s responsible decision comes amid tough negotiations with Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who are rightfully withholding support for Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination until they receive ironclad guarantees that the fund will not be revived.
"The President made it clear today that the so-called Anti Weaponization Fund is still alive, which is exactly why we are attempting to formally end it," Tillis said, underscoring the GOP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and preventing government overreach.
Blanche, who has been serving as acting attorney general, previously testified that the fund would not proceed after Republicans blocked an immigration funding bill that included this reckless provision. The Justice Department has since provided language confirming that Blanche’s May 18 order establishing the fund is rescinded and has no legal effect.
Cornyn and Tillis are also seeking clarity on a separate settlement provision that would protect Trump and his family from politically motivated tax audits. Cornyn clarified that the audit protection was limited to parties to the litigation and applied retroactively, not prospectively, ensuring fairness and preventing abuse of power.
The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche’s nomination, citing the need for additional assurances. Trump indicated he may withdraw Blanche’s nomination and re-submit it after the two senators leave office next year, signaling his flexibility in the face of principled opposition. Negotiations continued Thursday, with sources close to the talks describing them as positive, though the senators are still awaiting a new offer from the Justice Department.
White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed claims of obstruction, emphasizing that Todd Blanche would be an "exceptional Attorney General" who deserves immediate confirmation. Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team notified a court of its intent to appeal a recent ruling that unfairly criticized the settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS as self-dealing.
Republican senators voiced strong opposition to the settlement, with Tillis stating that those involved in the January 6 events are not "victims of government abuse." Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana added that most Senate Republicans are uncomfortable with the idea of the fund, reflecting the party’s commitment to justice and fiscal responsibility.
This dispute highlights the ongoing political battle over the nomination and the dangerous precedent of compensating those who broke the law during the Capitol riot.