Democrats Plan to Oppose Trump's $1.8 Billion Fund in the Senate

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on June 1, 2026, that Democrats will attempt to eliminate President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, which was established by the Justice Department following Trump's settlement with the IRS. In a letter to colleagues, Schumer stated that Senate Democrats will coordinate efforts to prevent any disbursement from the fund. He indicated that if Republicans utilize budget reconciliation to advance their spending priorities, Democrats will propose amendments aimed at shutting down the fund. Schumer emphasized that Democrats would ensure Republicans are compelled to vote on the fund, which could be leveraged as a political issue in the upcoming midterm elections. Additionally, Senators Adam Schiff, Mark Kelly, and Elissa Slotkin introduced the "Drain the Slush Fund Act," which aims to prevent taxpayer money from being allocated to Trump and his associates, including individuals involved in the January 6 events. A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily blocked the fund following a lawsuit, while another judge in Miami has reopened the case for further review. The fund's establishment has complicated Republican efforts to pass funding bills for ICE and Customs and Border Protection.