June 1, 2026


Trump Administration Withdraws $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' Amid GOP Opposition

President Donald Trump has decided to pull back on his proposal for a $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" following significant pushback from within his own party, according to sources familiar with the matter. The announcement was shared with Republican leaders on Capitol Hill this Monday by White House officials.

The fund, which was to be managed by the Justice Department, faced a judicial roadblock last Friday when a Virginia-based district judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop any disbursements. Responding to the court's decision, the Justice Department stated it would halt the fund's progress while defending its original intentions and leaving open the possibility of its future revival.

This retreat occurred after discussions between Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, focusing particularly on the fund amid broader talks about a legislative package that includes $70 billion for immigration enforcement. During their meeting, Johnson expressed skepticism regarding the fund's feasibility due to challenges in passing the related funding bill through the Senate.

The controversy intensified when Democrats threatened to propose amendments that would restrict the fund, which was reportedly designed to compensate Trump allies prosecuted in previous administrations. This political quandary led to the postponement of a Senate vote on the funding bill last month.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested that restricting the fund was necessary to advance the GOP's legislative agenda, hinting that changes were imminent. "The best way to handle it is if the administration decides to shut it down themselves," Thune later told reporters, suggesting a self-regulatory approach to resolving the issue.

The decision to discontinue the fund is not without political risk, as it could impact the broader immigration agenda being pushed by the Trump administration. However, it appears the administration is willing to comply with the judicial ruling and possibly reconsider the fund's structure or existence at a later date.

Axios was the first to report on the Trump administration's decision to scrap the fund earlier this Monday. Further developments are expected as both the White House and Capitol Hill navigate the complex landscape of funding and political accountability.

*Alex Gangitano contributed to this report.*