Trump refuses to declare $1.8B anti-weaponization fund dead: 'It was a beautiful thing'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump declined on Wednesday, June 3, to confirm whether a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund has been permanently abandoned, saying he still viewed the proposal favorably despite recent statements from administration officials that it is no longer moving forward.

The proposal was designed to compensate individuals who claim they were harmed by government actions.

It has drawn opposition from several Republicans who have expressed concern that people involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack could potentially benefit from the program. 

Trump keeps fund proposal alive

Speaking at the White House, Trump declined to say whether the fund had been permanently shelved. “I’d have to ask the lawyers, I don’t know,” Trump said when asked if the proposal was fully dead or merely paused. “As far as I’m concerned, it was a beautiful thing.”

His remarks contrasted with testimony delivered by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who told lawmakers the administration had abandoned the proposal.

“We are not moving forward with the fund, period,” Blanche said during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing. When asked whether that meant permanently, Blanche replied: “Correct.”

Trump also argued that people he believes were unfairly targeted by the government should be compensated.

“And these were many great people. And I gave them pardons. I’m very proud to have given them pardons. And I think they should be reimbursed for a crooked government,” he said.

Later, speaking in the Oval Office, Trump described the fund as “so important” and referenced individuals involved in the January 6 attack. “They went there with love,” he said. “And those people have been abused.”

The administration’s position has also faced legal scrutiny. Last week, a federal judge in Virginia temporarily blocked efforts to establish the fund and prohibited any payments while litigation continues.

GOP senators seek fund's permanent end

Trump’s comments came as Senate Republicans prepared for a marathon voting session on a $70 billion immigration enforcement package that leaders hope to pass this week.

The Senate has already voted 53-46 along party lines to advance the legislation, which includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border security operations.

However, disagreements over the “anti-weaponization” fund have complicated efforts to secure final passage.

Several Republican senators have pushed for language that would permanently eliminate the proposal. Senator Thom Tillis said on Wednesday, June 3, that he plans to introduce an amendment to formally end the fund. 

“I think even DOJ knows that this was a bad idea, and what we need to do is provide finality,” Tillis said. “I’ve made it very clear what I intend to do.”

Senator John Curtis also said he was interested in ensuring the fund is fully eliminated, while Senator Bill Cassidy argued that he wanted confirmation the proposal was not merely paused.

“I want to make sure it’s not mostly dead, that it is truly dead,” Cassidy said.