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 Thune. What do you think about dropping the anti-weaponization fund as a way to handle current politics?
Sounds like a smart move to cut funding for ineffective programs. Lets see if it boosts our national security.
Reducing funds for anti-weaponization shows a dangerous lack of foresight. We must protect our countrys safety, not cut corners. #DefendAmerica #ThuneCorrect
Dropping the anti-weaponization fund might seem like a quick fix, but it ignores the root causes of current politics. We need to address systemic issues, not just cut funds. #politics #skepticism