Thune says White House should shut down ‘anti-weaponization’ fund with immigration agenda stalled

Republican Senator Calls for Closure of Controversial Immigration Funding Initiative

Thune says White House should shut – Senate Majority Leader John Thune has publicly indicated that President Donald Trump should abandon his $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which has sparked significant dissent within the Republican Party and caused delays in advancing the GOP’s immigration agenda. In a Monday statement, Thune emphasized that the administration’s continued push for the fund could be resolved if it were to shut it down independently. “I believe the most effective approach is for the White House to take the initiative and discontinue the program,” he said, highlighting the growing frustration among fellow Republicans.

A Judicial Pause on the Funding Plan

The Justice Department has acknowledged a court order that temporarily halts its efforts to implement the fund, though it has not confirmed a complete withdrawal. The ruling, issued last week by a federal judge in Virginia, prevents the department from allocating resources to create the fund, assessing claims, or disbursing payments to applicants. A DOJ spokesperson told CNN that while the agency strongly disagrees with the judge’s decision, it will comply with the order until further notice.

“We disagree strongly with the ruling, but we will abide by it,” the spokesperson said.

This pause, which lasts until at least June 12, adds uncertainty to the political maneuvering surrounding the fund. The judge has scheduled a hearing on June 12 to determine whether the temporary block should be extended. If so, the administration may face additional challenges in moving forward with its plan. Meanwhile, the Justice Department must submit written arguments to the judge and another court in Washington, D.C. by Friday, defending the fund’s legality.

Republican Backlash Over the Fund’s Purpose

Thune’s remarks reflect a broader discontent among Senate Republicans, who argue that the fund is being used to reward MAGA loyalists. Critics claim the initiative would benefit individuals convicted of participating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including those accused of assaulting law enforcement. This has led to a refusal by dozens of GOP senators to approve a separate immigration enforcement bill, which is still pending.

Some senators are demanding that the White House establish stricter safeguards to ensure the fund does not support those responsible for the Capitol attack. “We need to make sure taxpayer money isn’t going to those who attacked our institutions,” one Republican aide said. Others have pointed to the fund’s potential to enrich political allies of Trump, creating a rift within the party. The situation has intensified tensions between the administration and Senate Republicans, with many lawmakers expressing skepticism about Trump’s priorities.

Trump’s Strategy and GOP Frustrations

Despite the mounting criticism, the White House has yet to offer a concrete solution to address Republican concerns. Two aides familiar with the internal discussions noted that the immigration funding will remain stalled unless the administration takes decisive action. This lack of progress has further strained relationships between Trump and the Senate GOP conference, which has been critical of his approach.

Thune, who typically maintains a more measured tone, was notably direct in his comments. He admitted that the administration’s decision to proceed with the fund is causing complications, but he stopped short of confirming whether Trump had personally addressed the issue. “I don’t think they’ve made any final announcements about dropping the fund,” he said, when asked about the White House’s intentions.

Internal Push for Compromise

Behind the scenes, some Trump advisors are exploring ways to modify the fund to appease Republican lawmakers. According to sources, proposals include restricting eligibility for those convicted of violent acts against law enforcement during the Capitol riot. These guardrails aim to mitigate public backlash and prevent the most contentious figures from receiving financial benefits.

While these adjustments could help ease tensions, they may not fully satisfy the senators who are determined to block the fund. “The core issue is about fairness and accountability,” said one Republican senator, who remains opposed to the program. Others have called for a complete overhaul, arguing that the fund reflects Trump’s desire to prioritize his political base over the needs of average Americans.

Broader Implications for the GOP

The dispute over the fund has become a symbol of the growing divide within the Republican Party. Many senators feel that Trump’s actions are undermining their credibility, particularly after he criticized two prominent GOP lawmakers who recently lost their primary races. This has fueled concerns that the administration is using the immigration bill as a tool to weaken the party’s unity.

Additionally, some Republicans are resisting Trump’s call for additional funding to secure his envisioned “White House ballroom,” which they view as an extravagant expense in a time of economic hardship for voters. “We’re seeing a disconnect between the administration’s spending priorities and the concerns of the people they’re supposed to represent,” said another aide. The situation highlights the challenges of aligning Trump’s agenda with the broader interests of the party.

As the debate continues, the White House faces pressure to resolve the issue quickly. Thune’s meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday focused on overcoming obstacles to the immigration bill, including the anti-weaponization fund. However, Thune remained unclear about whether Trump had decided to withdraw the plan. “I haven’t spoken directly with Trump about this,” he said, but he expressed confidence that the administration would eventually take action.

Upcoming Legal and Political Challenges

The impending hearings before Judge Leonie Brinkema and the D.C. court could determine the fund’s fate. Brinkema, a Clinton appointee, has the authority to extend the pause, potentially prolonging the dispute. Meanwhile, the D.C. judge is set to hold a hearing on Wednesday to evaluate the program’s legality. These proceedings are expected to intensify scrutiny of the fund and test the administration’s resolve.

With the immigration package now in limbo, Democrats are anticipated to capitalize on the GOP’s internal divisions. The delayed funding could allow the administration to shift focus toward other legislative priorities, further straining cooperation with the Senate majority. For now, the battle over the anti-weaponization fund remains a critical point of contention, shaping the future of Republican policymaking in the coming weeks.

Thune’s public stance underscores the urgency for the White House to clarify its position. While he has not endorsed or rejected the fund outright, his comments signal that Republicans are ready to take decisive action if the administration does not adjust its approach. The outcome of this standoff will likely influence the broader legislative landscape, as the GOP grapples with maintaining cohesion amid growing dissent.