What To Watch For
Blanche is expected to offer more clarity on where the fund stands at a hearing Tuesday afternoon before the House Appropriations Committee.
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Crucial Quote
“I think the president’s been pretty clear via the Department of Justice — their statement [is] that it’s now being set aside,” Johnson told Politico on Tuesday about the $1.8 billion fund’s fate. “So I understand there’s some senators that want a little more than that, but in terms of clarification, so I suppose they’re in the process of doing that.”
What We Don’t Know
Thune and Johnson’s comments Tuesday focused more specifically on the fund in relation to the immigration enforcement bill, and ensuring the fund would not hold up the legislation from passing. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration could try to reinstate the fund after that bill passes, even if it’s halted now.
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Key Background
The Trump administration established its $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund as part of President Donald Trump’s settlement with the IRS, after the president faulted the agency in a lawsuit over his tax returns being leaked. The fund is designed to provide relief to those who believe the federal judiciary has been “weaponized” against them, sparking widespread criticism that it is a “slush fund” for the president’s allies, including Jan. 6 rioters. Even a number of Republicans decried the settlement agreement, and the lawsuit blocking the fund from moving forward is one of several legal challenges that have been filed against it. Judge Leonie M. Brinkema temporarily suspended the government from putting money into the fund or disbursing any funds in an order Friday, keeping the fund on hold while parties file briefs on whether there should be a more extended pause. Her ruling did not make any judgment on whether or not the fund is lawful, and it’s still possible she could allow it to move forward in the future.
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Further Reading
ForbesTrump’s $1.8B ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund Is Dead—For NowBy Alison DurkeeForbesTrump’s $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund Blocked In Court—At Least For NowBy Alison DurkeeForbesApplicants For Trump’s $1.8B Fund Include Proud Boys Leader, J6 Rioters And George SantosBy Sara DornForbesMore Republicans Blast Trump’s $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund As Blanche Pleas For Their ApprovalBy Sara Dorn