Sen. John Kennedy Discusses 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund and Jan. 6 Rioters

Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, stated during an interview on NBC News' 'Meet the Press' that he would not support providing the Trump administration with unrestricted funding for the proposed 'anti-weaponization' fund. He expressed that individuals who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot should not benefit from this fund. Kennedy indicated he might support legislation to formalize the $1.776 billion fund, which is currently a point of contention affecting the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. Other Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have stated their support for Blanche is contingent on changes to a settlement with the IRS regarding Trump's tax returns and assurances that the fund will not proceed. The fund was initially established in a settlement that included audit protections for Trump and his associates, but the Justice Department has since retracted its support following bipartisan criticism. A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Blanche's nomination was postponed due to insufficient Republican backing, with a new vote scheduled for Tuesday. Trump suggested that if the nomination is delayed, he might keep Blanche as acting attorney general and advocate for the fund's revival. Kennedy remarked that while he would consider improvements to existing anti-weaponization measures, he would not approve funding for those who attacked law enforcement during the Capitol riot. He noted that individuals who feel wronged by the government can still file claims under existing laws.