Senate Republicans rejected multiple attempts to kill President Donald Trump’s nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund amid bipartisan concerns and a temporary court ruling against it.
The Trump administration announced the creation of the $1.776 billion fund last month. The effort would allow the government to use taxpayer money to pay those who claim they were victims of political prosecutions by the Biden administration.
Critics of the fund have said it would serve as a slush fund for Trump’s allies. Some lawmakers, including key Republicans, raised concerns that the fund lacks guardrails. Lawmakers were particularly concerned that payouts would go to rioters, including those who assaulted police officers, at the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, which the Trump administration didn’t rule out.
Here’s where the status of the fund stands.
The fund has faced at least two legal challenges, including from a watchdog group and from police officers who defended the Capitol during the riot.
