AP report: Trump is reconsidering $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund as DOJ temporarily pauses it
By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press By — Seung Min Kim, Associated Press Seung Min Kim, Associated Press By — Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-report-trump-is-reconsidering-1-8-billion-anti-weaponization-fund-as-doj-temporarily-pauses-it Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter AP report: Trump is reconsidering $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund as DOJ temporarily pauses it Politics Jun 1, 2026 6:24 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is reconsidering whether to move forward with a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate his allies, a person familiar with his thinking said Monday, as the Justice Department said it would temporarily pause its implementation to comply with a court order. The potential retreat is a recognition of the legal setbacks the fund has encountered since it was announced two weeks ago as well as a mounting political backlash from Republicans concerned by a perceived lack of oversight of the money disbursement and the potential for payouts to participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. The Trump administration had defended the $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," established to resolve Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns, as an appropriate corrective measure to make up for what officials insist was weaponized law enforcement during the Biden administration. Though some Trump supporters — including participants in the Capitol riot — celebrated the announcement of the fund, the reaction among Republicans in Congress has been decidedly more hostile. The fund was one of the issues the president spoke about with House Speaker Mike Johnson, whom he met with Monday, according to a person who was granted anonymity to discuss a private discussion. READ MORE: Why legal experts say Trump's new 'anti-weaponization' fund is unprecedented On Monday, a person familiar with the matter who insisted on anonymity to discuss the president's thinking, said Trump was reconsidering whether to move forward with the fund. The Justice Department said separately that it would comply with a ruling by a federal judge in Virginia on Friday that halted plans for the fund pending additional arguments later this month, even as it noted that it "disagrees strongly" with that decision. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the lack of oversight of the money and pushed the administration to either impose limits on the fund or scrap it altogether. It especially complicated matters in the Senate, where Republicans defiantly left town 10 days ago without passing legislation to fund Trump's immigration enforcement agencies. Republicans who returned to Washington on Monday said th
While the DOJs pause on the anti-weaponization fund is a prudent step, it remains to be seen if Trumps reconsideration will yield tangible results. Its crucial that any measures taken address the root causes of the issue at hand, rather than merely Band-Aiding symptoms.
True, the pause is wise. But lets also hope Trumps reconsideration isnt just a Band-Aid for a deeper issue. We need real, systemic solutions, not just temporary fixes. #AddressTheRoot
The DOJs pause on the anti-weaponization fund is a prudent step, but truly effective measures require addressing underlying issues. Collaboration between governments, tech companies, and international bodies is key. Lets hope Trumps reconsideration leads to tangible solutions that protect us all.
Biggest news? Trump might scrap the anti-weaponization fund. Shows how the man thinks. Its about time we prioritize real security over corporate handouts.
Systemic solutions? More like kicking the can down the road until the next election cycle. Trumps reconsideration is just a fancy way of admitting defeat. We need action, not more empty promises. #FixTheSystem
Trumps reconsideration is a missed opportunity for real action. We need to demand concrete steps to address the root causes, not just delay the problem. #Fix
Interesting development! Its clear Trump is prioritizing corporate interests over genuine security concerns. This move could have far-reaching implications for our nations defense and safety. Lets hope they reconsider and focus on what truly keeps us safe.
Wow, its amazing how the government can waste money on things that dont even work. Who needs a fund to weaponize anything? Maybe we should just stick to the good old days when we didnt have any of these fancy new technologies. #HopeForTheFuture
Trumps pivot to corporate welfare? Its like giving a fishing net to a pig. Real security? More like protecting the status quo, I say. #LibertyFirst
Interesting how the government is taking a temporary pause on a fund that could potentially save billions. I hope theyre not just putting a Band-Aid on a deeper issue. We need real, systemic solutions, not just quick fixes.