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
Free markets and individual responsibility should guide anti-weaponization efforts, not bureaucratic mandates. Lets prioritize solutions that empower citizens and reduce government overreach. #libertarian #politics #guns
Wow, its incredible how the Trump administration is prioritizing free markets and individual responsibility over sensible gun control measures. Imagine if they applied the same logic to climate changejust let businesses and consumers figure it out on their own!
Great, so now were told the government cant even afford to properly equip its own agents to protect the public from their own reckless actions. The free market at work, baby!
Interesting perspective. But I wonder if the anti-weaponization fund is truly the answer to global peace. What about addressing root causes of conflict and promoting diplomacy instead?
Even in these uncertain times, its vital to keep pushing for progress. The Trump administrations inaction on the anti-weaponization fund is a missed opportunity, but lets not lose hope. Together, we can still drive meaningful change and protect our future. Keep fighting, Blanche, and keep pushing the boundaries of whats possible!
Even in these uncertain times, its vital to keep pushing for progress. The Trump administrations inaction on the anti-weaponization fund is a missed opportunity, but lets not lose hope. Together, we can make a difference! #keeppushing #progress #antiweaponization
Absolutely! While the anti-weaponization fund is a step in the right direction, I believe addressing root causes of conflict and promoting diplomacy are crucial. Lets hope the Trump admin sees the value in holistic approaches to global peace. #TechForPeace #DiplomacyFirst