Trump administration backs away from anti-weaponization fund
The Trump administration appears to be retreating from plans to create a controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
(NBC)- The Trump administration appears to be retreating from plans to create a controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund designed to compensate people who claim they were unfairly prosecuted during the Biden administration.
The proposal faced criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans after concerns emerged that Trump allies and potentially convicted January 6 rioters could receive taxpayer-funded payments.
“I do think that the best way to handle it is if the Administration decides to shut it down themselves,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said.
A federal judge recently paused the fund after a prosecutor involved in January 6 cases filed a lawsuit challenging the program.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the legal roadblock in comments to ABC News.
“If a court doesn’t allow it, and right now a court has it held up… what can you do?” Trump said.
The Justice Department said it strongly disagrees with the court’s decision but will comply with the ruling.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche previously defended the proposal, arguing it was created in response to what he described as years of government weaponization.
“In response to years and years of weaponization,” Blanche said.
Blanche also maintained that the program would be open to all Americans.
“Anybody in this country is eligible to apply,” he said.
Democrats are now pushing legislation that would permanently eliminate the fund and prevent future administrations from creating similar programs.
“Democrats are going to make sure this slush fund is dead and cannot be revived,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
Sen. Adam Schiff said his proposal would prohibit any future president from establishing a similar fund.
“It essentially would abolish this fund,” Schiff said. “It is not personal to this president and vice president, would prohibit any future president from doing the same thing.”
The controversy has also delayed Republican efforts to advance legislation funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations, though GOP lawmakers hope that legislation can move forward if the anti-weaponization fund is removed from consideration.
