Senate Republicans Revolt Against Trump's $1.776 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund
Nearly 25 Republican senators, led by Ted Cruz, erupted in a hostile meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche over President Trump's proposed $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Senators demanded restrictions on commissioner eligibility, including barring those convicted of violence against police. The White House defended the fund as open to all, including those subpoenaed in the January 6 probe. Critics like Senators Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis called it unfair and a 'payout pot for punks.' Bipartisan opposition threatens a Senate revolt, with Trump refusing to back down.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Republican lawmakers erupt at Todd Blanche over Trump's anti-weaponization fund
Republican senators, led by Ted Cruz, expressed intense anger during a closed-door briefing with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche over the Trump administration's proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. Cruz described the meeting as one of the roughest he has witnessed in Congress, with multiple senators screaming at Blanche and accusing the administration of self-dealing. The fund, announced after Trump dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, faces bipartisan opposition. Cruz warned of a potential Senate revolt if changes are not made, with roughly half the GOP caucus prepared to join Democrats in supporting restrictive amendments. Senators Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis also criticized the fund, with Tillis calling it a 'payout pot for punks.' Democrats condemned the proposal as absurd, and bipartisan legislation has been introduced to prohibit federal funding for the program. Trump defended the fund on Truth Social, refusing to back down.
The Independent WorldCruz says half of Senate GOP blasted acting AG Blanche over proposed $1.8B fund
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reported that approximately half of the Senate Republican Conference strongly criticized acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during a tense meeting at the Capitol on Thursday. The confrontation centered on a proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, which has sparked significant anger among GOP senators. Cruz described the exchange as 'fireworks at an epic level,' expressing surprise at the intensity of the backlash against Blanche. The meeting highlights deepening divisions within the Republican Party over the Department of Justice's handling of politically sensitive funding and policy issues.
Just In NewsSenate Republicans in Uproar After DOJ Meeting on Trump's Anti-Weaponization Fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced strong opposition from nearly 25 Republican senators during a hostile meeting over President Trump's proposed $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Senators demanded restrictions on commissioner selection and eligibility, including barring those convicted of violence against police. The White House had sent a letter defending the fund, arguing it had no partisan restrictions and was open to senators whose records were secretly subpoenaed, a pitch aimed at Republicans investigated in Jack Smith's January 6 probe. Senator John Curtis remained unsatisfied, saying commissioner requirements were insufficient. Senator Bill Cassidy, who lost a primary to a Trump-backed challenger, also opposed the fund, calling it unfair to struggling Americans. One GOP senator texted that the majority was 'melting down,' with some blaming Trump's push for loyalty purges for the backlash.
The New RepublicSenate Republicans Revolt Against Trump's $1.776 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a hostile meeting with nearly 25 Republican senators opposing President Trump's proposed $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Senators demanded restrictions on commissioner selection and eligibility, including barring those convicted of violence against police. The White House defended the fund as open to all, including senators whose records were secretly subpoenaed in the January 6 probe. Senator John Curtis remained unsatisfied, calling proposed requirements insufficient. Senator Bill Cassidy, who lost a primary to a Trump-backed challenger, publicly opposed the fund as unfair to struggling Americans. One GOP senator texted that the majority is 'melting down,' with some blaming Trump's push to purge disloyal members for the intense opposition.
The New RepublicSenate Republicans in Uproar After DOJ Meeting on Trump's Anti-Weaponization Fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced strong opposition from nearly 25 Republican senators during a hostile meeting over President Trump's proposed $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Senators demanded restrictions on commissioner selection and eligibility, including barring those convicted of violence against police. The White House had sent a letter defending the fund, arguing it has no partisan restrictions and is open to senators whose records were secretly subpoenaed, a pitch aimed at Republicans investigated in the January 6 probe. Senator John Curtis remained unsatisfied, saying commissioner requirements were insufficient. Senator Bill Cassidy, who lost a primary to a Trump-backed challenger, publicly opposed the fund, calling it unfair to struggling Americans. Some GOP senators blamed Trump's push for loyalty purges for the internal backlash, with one senator texting that the majority is 'melting down.'
The New RepublicSenate Republicans in Uproar After DOJ Meeting on Trump's Anti-Weaponization Fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced strong opposition from nearly 25 Republican senators during a hostile meeting over President Trump's proposed $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Senators demanded restrictions on commissioner selection and eligibility, including barring those convicted of violence against police. The White House had sent a letter defending the fund, arguing it has no partisan restrictions and is open to senators whose records were secretly subpoenaed, a pitch aimed at Republicans investigated in the January 6 probe. Senator John Curtis remained unsatisfied, saying commissioner requirements were insufficient. Senator Bill Cassidy, who lost a primary to a Trump-backed challenger, publicly opposed the fund, calling it unfair to struggling Americans. Some GOP senators blamed Trump's push for loyalty purges for the internal backlash, with one senator texting that the majority is 'melting down.'
The New Republic