Byron Donalds backs Trump DOJ's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund', tells Republicans to 'get back to work'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Byron Donalds (R-Fla) on Sunday, May 24, defended the Justice Department’s proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” arguing the initiative stemmed from the federal government’s treatment of President Donald Trump and was intended to help others who believe they were unfairly targeted by authorities.

The fund, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, has triggered criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, with opponents questioning whether individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot could qualify for compensation.

Donalds urged Republicans to "get back to work" instead of focusing solely on the anti-weaponization fund.

Byron Donalds defends Trump anti-weaponization fund

Speaking on 'Fox News Sunday,' Donalds dismissed criticism surrounding the proposed $1.8 billion program and said the settlement money came after the Internal Revenue Service lost a legal dispute involving Trump and the Trump Organization. 

“The dollars are there because the IRS lost its case and they settled it because they did victimize the commander in chief,” Donalds said. “Instead of taking the money they said put it into a fund for other people, and now everybody is losing their minds. I don’t understand that.”

Donalds, who is leaving Congress to run for governor of Florida following Governor Ron DeSantis’ term-limited exit, became one of the few Republican lawmakers to publicly defend the proposal.

The fund is tied to a settlement between the Department of Justice, the IRS, and Trump over claims involving leaked tax records and alleged government misconduct.

President Trump also defended the initiative on Friday, May 22, writing on Truth Social that he was “helping others, who were so badly abused by an evil, corrupt, and weaponized Biden Administration.”

Republicans slam Jan 6 compensation proposal

Much of the criticism surrounding the fund centers on whether individuals convicted over the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot could receive taxpayer-funded compensation. Critics have argued the proposal risks rewarding people involved in violence against law enforcement officers.

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) delivered one of the strongest rebukes of the plan, saying: “So, the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? Utterly stupid, morally wrong. Take your pick.”

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) also said she opposed the fund “as it has been described,” while Senator Thom Tillis warned he could oppose a broader reconciliation package if the proposal remained included. “This is just stupid on stilts,” he said. 

Vice President JD Vance attempted to clarify the administration’s position, saying, “We’re not trying to give money to anybody who attacked a police officer,” while adding that cases would be reviewed individually.

The backlash has complicated Republican efforts to move forward on other priorities, including immigration legislation. Some Senate Republicans reportedly delayed votes ahead of the Memorial Day recess amid disagreements tied to the fund.