Senate Republicans Seek Assurance on Anti-Weaponization Fund's Status

Senate Republicans are expressing concerns over the Trump administration's commitment to a court order that blocks the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. They are demanding assurances that the program will be permanently terminated. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley stated that the only solution to funding immigration and enforcing laws is to eliminate the fund. The Justice Department announced it would comply with the court order pausing the fund's operation while litigation is ongoing, but Republicans remain skeptical about the fund's future. Senator Lisa Murkowski questioned whether the fund would be completely eliminated, while Senator Shelley Moore Capito called for further investigation into the matter. A Senate leadership aide indicated that the DOJ's statement reflects the administration's acknowledgment of the fund's unworkability among Senate Republicans. The fund's creation has previously disrupted Republican efforts to pass a reconciliation bill for immigration enforcement. Lawmakers noted that the court ruling halts the fund's operation for two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for June 12. Senator John Kennedy remarked that the DOJ's statement does not clarify the administration's stance on the fund. Some Republicans, including Senator Bill Cassidy, support legislation to formally shut down the fund. Tensions escalated following a meeting between GOP senators and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, which did not alleviate concerns regarding the fund. House Speaker Mike Johnson discussed the fund with the president, indicating a desire to proceed cautiously. Senator Thune expressed his opposition to advancing funding for immigration operations without provisions to block the fund's future application. Three Trump administration officials were uncertain whether the DOJ's actions indicated a complete withdrawal from the fund or a temporary pause. Representative Don Bacon stated that unless the administration successfully appeals the court ruling, the fund is effectively dead. The Justice Department's statement confirmed compliance with the court ruling, pausing any disbursement from the fund until legal challenges are resolved.