WATCH: Trump administration 'not moving forward' with anti-weaponization fund, Blanche testifies
By — Maria Ramirez Uribe Maria Ramirez Uribe Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-administration-not-moving-forward-with-anti-weaponization-fund-blanche-testifies Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump administration 'not moving forward' with anti-weaponization fund, Blanche testifies Politics Jun 2, 2026 5:05 PM EDT Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Tuesday that the Trump administration was not "moving forward" with a controversial "Anti-Weaponization Fund." Watch the clip in the video player above. Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., asked Blanche whether the Justice Department planned to reinstate its $1.8 billion fund following a court-mandated temporary pause. "We're not moving forward with the fund," Blanche said during a hearing before the House Appropriations Committee. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. The Justice Department moved to create the fund as part of a settlement with President Donald Trump to end a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leaking of his tax returns. A federal judge blocked the fund for two weeks pending additional legal arguments. On Monday, the Justice Department said it disagreed with the ruling but would comply with it. Many Senate Republicans opposed the fund and were holding up immigration enforcement funding over the issue, while other critics worried it might be used to reward rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. During the hearing on Tuesday, Blanche said his department would not move forward with the fund regardless of the outcomes of future court hearings. "OK, well, we will work with you and hold you to it," Meng said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Its concerning when governments fail to address critical issues, like the need for anti-weaponization funding. Blanches testimony highlights the importance of taking decisive action to ensure our safety.
Progress, my friend? The Trump admins inaction on the anti-weaponization fund is a missed opportunity to address global security threats head-on. Lets not let inaction define their legacy.
Absolutely, ensuring our safety is paramount. Its crucial that the government prioritizes initiatives like anti-weaponization funding, especially with the global threats we face today. Blanches testimony underscores the urgency of these measures.
Interesting how the Trump administrations inaction on the anti-weaponization fund is now the cornerstone of their legacy. Who knew not moving forward could be so impactful? #Progress
Libertarians should prioritize individual freedom and responsibility over government control. Instead of relying on the state to fund anti-weaponization efforts, we should encourage innovation, education, and community-based solutions that empower citizens to protect themselves and their communities.
While I agree that individual freedom and responsibility are key, I think its important to recognize that some collective action is necessary for certain issues, like preventing dangerous technologies from falling into the wrong hands. The government can play a crucial role in funding and regulating research that could have wide-reaching benefits. Lets not throw the baby out with the bathwater.