Senate Republicans Push Back on Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund

Senate Republicans strongly opposed completely ending President Donald Trump’s nearly $2 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, despite significant criticism among their members. Both Republicans and Democrats rejected an amendment from Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., that proposed permanently eliminating the fund and redirecting the money to the nation’s fraud fund. Although Senate Democrats oppose the “anti-weaponization” fund, diverting the money was a step too far for nearly the entire caucus.

Twelve Republicans voted for the amendment, indicating widespread disapproval of the fund and any future plans the administration may have. The amendment’s failure might halt efforts to enshrine a permanent end to the fund. This decision followed hours of delays as the Senate worked to pass the GOP’s nearly $70 billion immigration enforcement package.

“The weaponization fund, as far as I’m concerned, was a beautiful thing,” Trump said. “I love it. I think it’s so important.”

Sen. Thom Tillis made it clear to his peers that he would not back the upcoming budget reconciliation package if it included $1 billion for President Trump’s ballroom. The fund, unveiled last month as part of a settlement between the Trump family and the IRS, encountered strong resistance from Republicans. They feared that, without clear guidelines, individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at Capitol Hill could access the taxpayer funds.

Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s assurances that the administration would no longer pursue the fund, Republicans remained skeptical. Although Blanche stated that the administration wasn’t advancing the fund, Trump conveyed a different message in the Oval Office, stating, “I’d have to ask the lawyers. I don’t know.” Tillis, reacting to Trump’s comments, suggested that if the administration wanted to end the fund, it should take advantage of the current situation to codify that decision.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a vocal critic of the fund who recently signed an amicus brief with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., continues to push for additional amendments to ensure the fund doesn’t resurface. The fund remains a controversial topic with Republicans opposing it. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., expressed that the issue should be addressed if Trump and the administration attempt to revive the fund.

Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.