Trump Audit Immunity Stands as $1.8 Billion Fund Paused Amid GOP Pushback

The Trump administration has paused implementation of a controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” while leaving in place a settlement provision that permanently bars IRS audits of President Donald Trump, his family members, and his companies, a person familiar with the matter said Tuesday. The Justice Department halted the fund on Monday after a federal judge in Virginia temporarily blocked its operation. The audit ban, part of a legal settlement stemming from a lawsuit over leaked tax information, remains unaffected. The IRS is “forever barred” from pursuing any pre-settlement claims against Trump. Some Republican senators criticized the immunity. Senator John Curtis, R-Utah, called the audit provision “part of the problem” and said, “I need it dead, dead.” Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., noted that Trump family members’ net worth had nearly doubled recently and questioned why they shouldn’t face the same scrutiny as ordinary taxpayers. The White House referred inquiries to Trump’s legal team, which said the president “continues to hold those who wrong America and Americans accountable.” The fund, intended to compensate alleged victims of political weaponization, has drawn lawsuits from Capitol police officers and faces political obstacles in Congress.