President Donald Trump is reportedly pausing a $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund after facing strong pushback from lawmakers, including members of his own Republican Party.
On March 17, U.S. media reported that the fund would be halted, though the White House has not officially confirmed the move. Axios cited a senior anonymous official as saying, “Right now it’s dead.”
The anti-weaponisation fund was announced last month as part of an agreement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service, an executive branch agency. According to documents released by the Justice Department, the $1.8 billion was intended to compensate victims of “weaponized law” and “weaponized government.” Trump has frequently claimed that he and his allies are targets of unfair prosecutions.
The March 17 announcement came after a meeting between Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson to address Republican concerns about the fund. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also called for the fund to be scrapped as he works to rally Republican senators behind a $72 billion immigration enforcement funding bill.
However, Democrats argue that a pause is insufficient. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Reports say Trump will shelve the $2 billion MAGA slush fund. But Trump’s promises are worthless. If Trump and Republicans truly back away from this corrupt scheme, they should have no problem banning it in law.”
