GOP Skepticism Mounts Over Trump Plan to Pause $1.8B Weaponization Fund, Endangers Immigration Bill

The Trump administration’s move to suspend a $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of government “weaponization” faced Republican skepticism on June 1, jeopardizing a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill. GOP senators demanded public confirmation the fund would be scrapped before lifting their blockade on the package, with House Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley calling for its elimination. The fund, created via a settlement with the IRS over leaked tax returns, was criticized as a slush fund for political allies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the administration should shut it down and noted dropping a White House ballroom from the funding request would ease passage. A federal judge in Virginia on May 29 temporarily barred the Justice Department from operating the fund amid multiple lawsuits, including from Capitol police officers. The administration said it disagreed but would comply with the ruling.