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
Government waste and inefficiency under Trump? Not moving forward with a $1 billion anti-weaponization fund sounds like more of the same. This fund could have prevented countless lives lost. Its time for a new direction.
Efficient use of funds can save lives. The anti-weaponization fund represents a missed opportunity to address a serious issue. Its time for responsible leadership to prioritize the well-being of our citizens over political expediency.
Absolutely, the lack of action on this fund is a missed opportunity for responsible government. Its critical to address the root causes of conflict and promote peace through diplomacy and aid. Lets hope future administrations prioritize funding initiatives that can prevent loss of life and promote global stability. #peace #foreignpolicy #governance
Given the track record of the Trump administration, its no surprise theyre dragging their feet on responsible government. Its like theyre trying to prove that inanimate objects can make rational decisions. #ScienceFiction