Trump administration retreats on ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’

President Donald Trump is retreating from plans for a $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” after a fierce backlash from fellow Republicans, according to two people granted anonymity to describe the decision ahead of a public announcement.

White House officials communicated the decision to Republican leaders on Capitol Hill Monday, the people said.

The Justice Department, which was set to administer the fund, indicated Monday it would “abide by the Court’s ruling” and halt progress after a judge temporarily halted any payouts Friday. The statement otherwise defended the fund and did not say whether it could be revived later.

Earlier Monday, Trump met with Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the controversial fund as part of a larger conversation about stalled legislation delivering some $70 billion in immigration enforcement funding for the remainder of Trump’s term.

During the meeting, Johnson raised concerns about the viability of the fund given the tenuous situation for the party-line funding bill, according to one of the people and two others.

Spokespeople for the White House and for Johnson did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

A planned Senate vote on the immigration bill was abandoned last month after the Justice Department announced the creation of the fund, which could be used to pay Trump allies who had been prosecuted under prior administrations. Democrats pledged to force votes on amendments related to the fund, creating a serious political dilemma for congressional Republicans.

Axios first reported on Trump’s decision Monday.

Two federal judges raised questions about the DOJ fund Friday, with one issuing a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from disbursing any money from it. Separately, the judget who presided over the federal lawsuit filed by Trump that led to the fund’s creation launched an inquiry into the settlement deal.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated the fund would have to be restricted in some way to unlock further progress on the GOP bill, saying in an interview it was a “safe bet” changes would be coming.

“The best way to handle it is if the administration decides to shut it down themselves,” he added in subsequent comments to reporters.

Alex Gangitano contributed to this report.