A growing rift among Republicans has emerged over President Donald Trump's new $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, created from a settlement he agreed to while dropping his $10 billion IRS lawsuit. The fund is intended to compensate individuals who believe they were unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, primarily under former President Joe Biden, and could include rioters arrested on or after January 6, 2021.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) criticized the fund, calling it 'stupid on stilts' and expressing concern about paying out people who assaulted police officers. A meeting between the Department of Justice and members of Congress reportedly became heated, with some Republicans, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling the fund 'utterly stupid, morally wrong.' The pushback contributed to Congress leaving town without passing a $70 billion reconciliation bill that included immigration enforcement funding.
Trump defended the fund on Truth Social, stating he gave up a lot of money to help others. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also defended the fund, saying it's the right thing to do.
Some Republicans worry about political fallout ahead of the midterm elections. Trump had wanted the reconciliation bill passed by June 1, but that deadline appears impossible as Congress is in recess until the first week of June.