Trump reportedly scrapping $1.776 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund’ amid bipartisan outrage

President Donald Trump has reportedly scrapped plans for the contentious $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” The initiative, which was intended to provide compensation for those claiming to be victims of federal “lawfare,” is officially off the table.

A Plan Shelved

According to a report published Monday, two senior administration officials confirmed the project's cancellation to Axios, stating simply, “It’s dead.”

The proposed fund, which critics immediately labeled a “slush fund,” originated from a settlement between the President and the Department of Justice following claims that Trump was harmed by the leaking of his tax returns.

Bipartisan Backlash

The proposal faced intense scrutiny from both sides of the aisle. Critics voiced significant concern that the money could potentially be accessed by violent offenders from Jan. 6, an issue highlighted by 205focus.com readers following coverage of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had been vocal in his opposition, urging the administration to terminate the fund as it caused a legislative logjam, ultimately stalling a $70 billion immigration bill. “I do think the best way to handle it is if the administration decides to shut it down themselves,” Thune stated, as reported by the Associated Press. Thune had previously noted that the fund made GOP policy goals “way harder than it should be.”

GOP Tensions Rising

The tension surrounding the fund comes amid a shifting landscape in the Senate. Following the loss of their reelection bids in May after the President supported primary opponents, Sen. Bill Cassidy and Sen. John Cornyn remain key figures whose alignment with the administration remains in question. Many GOP lawmakers have expressed growing frustration with the President regarding his disregard for their political priorities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.