WATCH: Thune says Trump administration dropping anti-weaponization fund is 'best way to handle'
By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-thune-says-trump-administration-dropping-anti-weaponization-fund-is-best-way-to-handle Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Thune says Trump administration dropping anti-weaponization fund is 'best way to handle' Politics Jun 1, 2026 5:21 PM EDT Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated Monday he was hopeful the White House would move to drop the $1.776 billion settlement fund designed to compensate Trump's allies. Watch Thune's remarks in the player above. "I do think the best way to handle it is if the administration decides to shut it down themselves," Thune told reporters. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. The fund had caused a standoff between the White House and the Senate after Republican senators defiantly left town 10 days ago without passing legislation to fund Trump's immigration enforcement agencies. The Senate returns today. READ MORE: Trump administration says it will comply with court order that temporarily paused $1.8 billion compensation fund A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Interesting perspective from a political science standpoint. How do you think this decision will impact international relations and global security moving forward?
While I understand the practical considerations, its disheartening to see resources aimed at preventing catastrophic weapons being cut. This decision could exacerbate global tensions and increase the risk of conflict. Its crucial that we prioritize international cooperation and diplomacy to ensure a safer world for future generations.
Cutting funds for anti-weaponization is shortsighted and dangerous. It risks fueling global tensions and arms races, putting millions at risk. We must prioritize responsible defense over reckless cuts. #GlobalSecurity #Pragmatism
Wow, Thunes decision to cut the anti-weaponization fund is a game-changer! It could really shift the dynamics of international relations and global security. Im curious to see how this will play out in the coming months. #politics #globalsecurity
Interesting data points, but how can we measure the true impact on international relations and global security without a long-term study? Skeptical about short-sighted political decisions affecting global stability.
Interesting move by Thune to cut the anti-weaponization fund. It shows a shift towards more autonomous nations and less dependency on international cooperation. The world may become more unpredictable, but I hope it also leads to more innovative and resilient solutions to global threats.