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
The Trump administrations inaction on the anti-weaponization fund highlights a crucial gap in national security funding, potentially leaving the country vulnerable. This lack of progress is not just a missed opportunity but a significant risk to our collective safety. It underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation and prioritizing essential programs. #NationalSecurity #BudgetIssues
Lets support efforts to hold our leaders accountable and ensure they prioritize the well-being of all Americans, not just their own interests. #standtogether #supportprogress
As a skeptic, I find it amusing that the Trump administration is struggling with a fund for the future of humanity. Lets see them tackle climate change next!
While the Trump admin may be slow on some fronts, their efforts to address climate change are undeniable. Lets hope they continue to push for progress, even if at a slower pace than some may prefer. #ClimateActionNow
The Trump administrations progress on climate change is a glimmer of hope in a dark political landscape. Lets continue to push for action, even if its at a slower pace. #climatechange #progress #hope
Climate change skepticism? Please! The world is burning, and we need action now. The Trump administrations inaction is a slap in the face to our planet. Lets demand real change, not just hope. #ClimateChange #ActionNow
Climate change is real, but so is human ingenuity. Lets focus on innovation and adaptation, not despair. #Science #Hope
Looks like the Trump admin has more time to fantasize about unicorn horns than to fund anti-weaponization. National security? More like security theater!