Trump defends ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, further complicating Blanche nomination
President Donald Trump is defending a controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' intended for Jan. 6 defendants, despite the administration previously signaling the idea was dead. This stance has stalled the confirmation of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and created friction with key Republican senators.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and traditionalist Republicans over the use of executive power and the handling of Jan. 6-related legal issues.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday defended his administration’s controversial proposal for a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” for Jan. 6 defendants and others who he says were unfairly targeted by the government. Trump’s continued flirtation with the weaponization fund undermines assurances from his acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and others in the administration that the idea, which faces strong opposition from some key Republicans, is dead. The issue delayed for several weeks and nearly derailed a $70 billion bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol through the end of Trump’s term. And it has thrown Blanche’s nomination to be the nation’s chief law enforcement official into limbo, with two Republicans — Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina — blocking it over concerns about the settlement between Trump and the IRS that created the weaponization fund.
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