Trump scraps $1.8bn anti‑weaponisation fund after Republican revolt

President Donald Trump’s plan to distribute $1.8 billion of taxpayer money to political allies – dubbed the “anti‑weaponisation” fund – was abandoned by the Department of Justice after intense backlash from Republican lawmakers. Critics argued the fund would pay individuals involved in the Jan 6 Capitol attack and preserve a provision shielding Trump and his family from tax audits. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the audit‑protection clause would remain, further angering Republicans who threatened to block key immigration legislation. The episode, described by former advisers as a self‑inflicted wound, adds to pressure on Trump ahead of the midterm elections and amid his unpopular war in Iran.

The fund stemmed from a settlement over a lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS and was intended to compensate people the administration claimed were wrongly targeted. Its termination highlights growing intra‑party resistance to Trump’s efforts to expand his power and reward allies.